By Chris Spangler and Kim McDarison
Editor’s note: this story has been updated to include an obituary and information regarding a prayer and bell ceremony, and a celebration of life.
Longtime Fort Atkinson Fire Department paid-on-call volunteer firefighter Bob Allard died Sunday, according to information shared by the fire department.
Allard, 58, had been an active member of the fire department since May 6, 1981, and was an active member at the time of his passing, Fort Atkinson Fire Department Division Chief Mike Lawrence said Tuesday.
“Bob was probably the best, if not one of the best, firefighters the fire department has ever had. He was always doing the work, but never wanted the glory,” Lawrence said.
While Allard was an active member of the department, he was not on duty when he unexpectedly passed away, Lawrence noted.
Information about funeral arrangements is pending, an announcement from the department continued.
In an interview about the fire department conducted by Fort Atkinson Online in September, Fort Atkinson Fire Department Capt. Robbie Allard — Bob’s son, along with his wife, Jodi — talked about his devotion to the department and his choice to follow in his father’s footsteps.
Robbie noted with pride that he is a second-generation firefighter and a native of Fort Atkinson.
In September, Robbie said: “My father is a firefighter so I grew up around it, seeing it first hand.”
Robbie said that as a kid, he liked coming to the firehouse with his father, where he developed a sense of camaraderie and community.
“It’s hard work; it’s physically demanding and mentally demanding at times. My father taught me if I make a commitment, to follow through,” Robbie said during the September interview.
Fort Atkinson Fire Chief Daryl Rausch was in a meeting and unavailable for immediate comment.
Posted Dec. 15: https://www.dunlapmemorialhome.com/obituary/robert-allard.
A Prayer and Bell Ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, at the Fort Atkinson Fire Department, 124 Milwaukee Ave. W. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. at the Fire Department until time of service. Following the Bell Ceremony, a Celebration of Allard’s Life will be held at Bridge, 88 S. Main Street, Fort Atkinson.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bob Allard’s name may be made to the Fort Atkinson Fire Department.
Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.
Editor’s note: as more information becomes available, this story will be updated.
Fort Atkinson Firefighter Bob Allard
Contributed photo.
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