The officers and members of the Jacksonville Retired Firefighter Association are saddened to report that

Retired JFRD Engineer Robert Tarkington passed away Monday June 18, 2018.

A viewing was held 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM Thursday June 21, 2018 at Old Plank Road Baptist Church  8964 Old Plank Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32220. Funeral service was held 1:00 PM Friday June 22, 2018 at the Old Plank Rd. Baptist Church. Interment followedat Riverside Memorial Park. Robert Otis Tarkington, born October 1, 1953 in Jacksonville to Otis Jr. and Betty Tarkington. Robert has two older brothers, Dennis and Billy. He also has two half brothers, Neal ( deceased) and Brian.

Robert married Linda Gail in 1987. Linda Gail worked and retired from JFRD in 2008. Together they have a combined family of 4 children and 4 grandchildren.

Robert graduated from Ribault High School in 1971. During his high school years Robert ran JV track but then began working with his father in his contracting business.

After graduating from Ribault Robert joined the Air National Guard from which he retired as a Tech Sergeant in 1993. Robert was also a firefighter in the guard.

Robert was a firefighter at Jacksonville International Airport from 1976 until 1981.

Robert credits Jim Porter (retired and deceased) for his becoming a firefighter. Robert says that Jim was his neighbor as a young man and was very encouraging. Robert was hired on JFRD in 1981 and assigned to Station 18. Robert’s first officer was Captain Mike George (retired) and Robert Wyse was the District Chief. Robert has been assigned to Station 18 the majority of his career, with the exception of going to Station 34 for 1 year and Station 48 for 2 shifts. Robert asked to be transferred back to Sta. 18 after working 2 shifts at Sta. 48 and only going on 2 calls. He said he was bored and they didn’t have cable TV. Robert retired from Sta. 18 on January 6, 2012.

Robert was a member of the Honor Guard for many years. When he joined Mike George was the Commander and soon after Howard Davidson assumed that role.

Robert was very active with the Retired Firefighters Luncheon since the early days. His wife Linda Gail has been active with the luncheon since 1982. Robert certainly knew his way around the kitchen. He was the Chief cook for the Firefighter’s Widow’s Luncheon for many years.

Among many honors that Robert has achieved in his career are being two time recipient of the Lt Joseph F Stichway Firefighter of the year award. Robert first won the award in 1992 after talking a man into laying down a shotgun and surrendering. Robert won the award again in 2000 after rescuing a man that was trapped in a hole.