Robert Burrows Obituary, Death- The passing of Robert L. “Bob” Burrows, Gear Number 147, a Life Member since 1980, is a great loss to our organization. Now that he has passed away, everyone at the Silver Spring Volunteer Fire Department who knew and admired him will miss him deeply. While working at the Mazzullo Brothers Texaco on the northeast corner of Georgia Avenue and Dale Drive in Montgomery Hills, Bob had his first encounters with officers of the Montgomery Hills Police Department.
When Bob initially became interested in firefighting, he visited this station and saw the 1947 Seagrave pumper that has been there ever since. When he made the transition from Texaco station attendant to “paid man” with the SSFD, he began a lifelong dedication to serving the city he cherished. To keep the fire department’s vehicles in excellent shape, Bob developed strong feelings for “Car 13,” the repair shop vehicle. Captain Bob Tierney, who just passed away, and Bob Burrows put in a lot of time and effort to guarantee that all of the vehicles and machinery were in top shape.
Since Bob has been employed there, “Preventative Maintenance” has come to symbolize the department’s philosophy toward resolving issues. Bob volunteered a lot of his time and split his time between the classic Station 1 and the cutting-edge Station 16. Bob was instrumental in establishing and maintaining the department’s high-quality vehicle maintenance at the facilities situated in these regions. Vehicle maintenance was also handled at these locations.
The influence of Bob’s work extended far beyond the walls of the firehouse. His commitment to preventative maintenance has made it possible for the department to manage vehicle repairs in the way that it does now. Even when civilian workers took over maintenance, Bob’s legacy lives on as a tribute to the solid groundwork he laid.
Bob Burrows was a beloved member of the Silver Spring Volunteer Fire Department for many reasons, not the least of which was the attitude of teamwork and shared mission that he created among his fellow firemen. This was another cause for Bob Burrows’ widespread acclaim. Because of the indelible stamp he left on the department’s annals, his colleagues, friends, and the community he served with unwavering devotion will miss him much.
