MEMBER PROFILE: Bobby Dewitt

Bobby Dewitt, 73, was born in Jacksonville in his family home at 9 E. 5th Street. Bobby had one brother and one sister. Bobby has two children, son Marty and daughter Andi. Bobby graduated from Andrew Jackson High School in 1955. On Bobby’s own admission he did not play any sports but he chased a lot of skirts.

After graduating from high school he joined the Army and was in the 82nd Airborne Division. Bobby is proud to say that he made over thirty jumps with no injuries. After leaving the service Bobby went to work with the Owens Illinois Paper Company, then in 1960 he went to work with the city of Jacksonville as an electrical meter reader. That is where he met Bobby Claxton and Frank Bailey as they worked there also. Bobby left the city in 1963 and went to work with the Duval County Road Patrol.

In June of 1967 Bobby began his career with the Jacksonville Fire Department at Engine 4.
Car 74 which was Chief Matthews rode out of Station 4. As Bobby was the new man he was asked to be the relief driver for Jay Crawford. Bobby soon became the driver on all
resuscitation calls. When the Rescue Division was formed and Bobby volunteered to go
into the Rescue 4 with Bobby Claxton, he remained there for 5 years.

When Squads came about Bobby left Rescue and was assigned to drive Squad 36 at Station 36 with Captain Jim White. Bobby and Jim were carpenters and they teamed up and built homes together for over 20 years. Bobby said he was blessed to have been on the fire department and meeting Jim. Bobby’s son Marti has followed in his father’s footsteps in becoming a successful carpenter.After leaving Sta. 36 Bobby drove the tanker and woods truck at Sta.31. Bobby retired from Sta. 31.

When Bobby was at Sta. 24 for a while he was asked to build some lockers. During to course of Bobby doing this task Limberger Cheese made it’s appearance on Bobby’s tools, toolbox and he never really knew who was responsible. I guess the Phantom had struck again.

In 1988 after having his annual physical Bobby was diagnosed with a lung disease and only had 30 percent lung capacity. With the help of Larry Osborne and Bob Carver. Bobby hired an attorney and was awarded the benefit of the heart and lung bill for life. This was after a 10 year
battle.

When the IAFF first came to Jacksonville to establish Local 1834 Bobby Dewitt was one of the
members to sign a petition that was needed for this to happen. Bobby is proud of his decision to do so. At the monthly union meetings there are tables in the front for retirees, you will always see Bobby Dewitt and Jim White at one of those tables.
 

	Bobby now has a room for entertaining. Bobby’s son Marti and he built this room together and it quite the show place.
	Bobby has received several awards over the years including his 82nd Airborne Award, his union awards and the Retired Firefighter’s Awards. He is certainly deserving of all this recognition.
	Bobby has quite a collection of Emmitt Kelly Clown figurines. Bobby proudly displays these in his home.