A Life of Service: Fire Chief and Brother Robert Pursley

by Jared Replogle, Intern

Brother Robert L. Pursley Jr., Ph.D. and 32° Scottish Rite Mason from the Valley of Akron was sworn in as the Barberton Fire Chief in April 2020.

He began his more than 32-year career in a small combination fire department as a part-time firefighter/ paramedic and was hired full time by the Barberton Fire Department in 1992. He rose consistently through the ranks, with a promotion to Lieutenant in 1998 and Captain/Shift Commander in 2013.

Chief Pursley has also served the department as chairperson of the Safety Committee, a worker’s compensation representative, grant writer, and vice president of Barberton Firefighters Association. He was also a member of the Summit County Technical Rescue Operations Team for more than 22 years; and from 2002-2015, a member of Ohio Task Force 1. While serving on one of the federal Urban Search and Rescue Teams in the United States, he held several positions including: Rescue Specialist, Rescue Squad Officer, and Technical Information Specialist.

In addition, Chief Pursley spends time as the Lead Fire Instructor for the University of Akron and the Barberton Fire Department and continues to give back to his community by providing lectures on fire safety and community relations. His selfless commitment to service has earned him a number of distinctions over the years including: City of Barberton Employee of the Year in 2015; Barberton Fire Department Letter of Commendation, 2015; Kiwanis Outstanding Service Award, September 2004; Rotary Club of Barberton Service Above Self Award, May 2001; Akron Children's Hospital Squad of the Year Award, May 2001; State of Ohio Letter of Commendation, August 2001; Barberton Fire Department Letter of Commendation, May 2001; City of Barberton Formal Recognition Service Award, 1999.

We humbly thank Brother Pursley for his heroic efforts and continued service.