By Chris Spangler
The final bell rang 20 times Saturday as Fort Atkinson remembered longtime firefighter Robert “Bob” Allard.
Allard, 58, had been an active volunteer/paid-on-call member of the fire department since May 6, 1981.
He passed away Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, at home.
A final bell and prayer service was held at the Fort Atkinson Fire Department Saturday afternoon, preceded by a three-hour visitation.
Fort Atkinson Fire Chief Daryl Rausch estimated that more than 500 people attended the event.
During the service, Jodeen Allard shared thoughts about her husband of 39 years, followed by Division Chief Dion Brown reading the obituary and grandson Landon Allard reading a poem.
Landon was presented Allard’s helmet by Division Chief Mike Lawrence.
Fort Atkinson Volunteer Firefighters Association President Chris Barr presented Allard’s family with a service award for his 40 years of service.
Fort Atkinson Firefighters Association Secretary Jill Reifsnider read the awards statements and Capt. Paul Verhalen presented the Axe Award in recognition of Allard’s retirement.
Robbie Allard, Allard’s oldest son and a member of the department for 21 years with the rank of captain, rang the bell in four sets of five strikes, during the bell ceremony.
The ringing of the bell represents the end of the emergency and the return to quarters. It recalls a time when the fire bell rang to call firefighters to an alarm and then, again, to signal that the alarm had ended.
The bell ceremony also is called the “last call.” The gathering concluded with the final dispatch in honor of Allard played over the sound system.
Many photographs, memorabilia and floral arrangements were on display for viewing by attendees at the standing-room-only gathering.
According to his obituary, Allard was born April 28, 1963 in Aurora, Colorado, to William Allard and Susan Allard. He married Jodeen Krause on Nov. 27, 1982.
He worked for many years for Krause Blacktopping, along with his sons. His son, Marcus, followed in his footsteps and started Allard Asphalt Maintenance Corp. Allard later drove truck for A&A Trucking, and W&A Distribution.
He joined the Fort Atkinson Fire Department on May 6, 1981, and for the past 21 of his 40 years there, his son Robbie has served alongside him.
He is survived by his wife; children, Robbie (Chrissy) Allard, Marcus (Rachel) Allard and Jenna Allard; six grandchildren, Landon, Miabella, Beckett Allard, Zoey, Zeeva Allard and Skylee Prescott; and six siblings, Ty (Coleen) Allard, John (Barb) Allard, Dan (Stacie) Allard, Rick (Jodi) Allard, Denny (Veronica) Allard and Liz (Rory) Nienajadlo.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bob’s name may be made to the Fort Atkinson Fire Department.
Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson assisted the family.`
The American flag, at right, is at half-staff in honor of the late Bob Allard. His memorial service was held Saturday at the Fort Atkinson fire station.
Two photos above: Jodeen Allard, at the podium, shares thoughts about her husband of 39 years, Bob Allard, during Saturday’s memorial service at the fire station.
Jodeen Allard, at right, greets well-wishers during the visitation Saturday.
Fort Atkinson Fire Department Division Chief Mike Lawrence presents Allard’s helmet to the late longtime firefighter’s grandson, Landon Allard.
Fort Atkinson Volunteer Firefighters Association President Chris Barr presents Allard’s wife, Jodeen, with a service award for her husband’s 40 years of service.
Capt. Paul Verhalen presents the Axe Award to Bob Allard’s family in recognition of Allard’s retirement.
Robbie Allard, Bob Allard’s oldest son and a member of the department for 21 years with the rank of captain, rings the bell in four sets of five strikes, during the bell ceremony.
Memorial service attendees view photographs, memorabilia and floral arrangements in memory of Bob Allard.
Fort Atkinson Fire Chief Daryl Rausch addresses the standing-room-only crowd in the fire station.
A wreath arrangement salutes Bob Allard’s 40 years as a firefighter.
Allard’s urn is surrounded by a photo, his firefighter helmet and a floral arrangement.
Chris Spangler photos.
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