JUNE 2011 MEMBER PROFILE: Retired Engineer (Sta. 31B) Harvey Royal, 74.

Harvey Royal was born in Jacksonville at St. Luke’s Hospital on 8th Street in January of 1937. He graduated from Paxon High School in 1956. After graduation he met, feel in love and married Miss Jane Beach, who graduated from Lee High School. They have been married for 54 years and have a son, Doug and a daughter, Debbie and 3 grandchildren.

Harvey was hired on the fire department in August of 1967 and retired January 3, 2004 after
serving 36 years. Harvey was hired when the work schedule was 24 hours on and 24 hours off.

Harvey unofficially holds a unique record. He was assigned to station #31 with H.S. Royal as his first officer. Harvey retired from #31 with Lt. Pat Goodbread as his officer. Harvey was never permanently assigned anywhere else except Station #31.

Harvey and Jane are VERY active people. Harvey likes to ride in anything from a kayak to A Model Ford and most anything between, all of which he probably owns one of. Many young firemen have made the statement, “When I grow up I want to be just like Mr. Harvey, he wins because he has all the toys”.

Jane plays the bass fiddle in a number of Blue Grass Bands. The one that keeps she and Harvey traveling is the Coastal Blue Band. Jane also is very adventurous. Jane recently rode a 2,000 foot zip line at 50 miles a hour.

Harvey, like most firemen, worked an off-duty job. He owed his own Printing business and worked for Brut Printing for many years.

When asked about his most memorable event on the fire department Harvey said “It was all
Memorable. I never woke up saying I don’t fell like going today, because I enjoyed everyday of it.” Anyone that knows Harvey will have no trouble believing that.