Captain Robert Bruce Thomas was born September 5, 1961, in Miami, Florida, to Robert and Maudie Thomas. From an early age he felt a calling to serve the public. He went into law enforcement at the age of 18 and served for 25 years. He became a firefighter in 1981 and remained faithful to the position until his death. Through the years, he expanded his knowledge of firefighting and received many awards and certificates.

Captain Thomas died from injuries sustained in an apparatus accident while returning to the fire station from a structure fire. He loved being a firefighter and answered his last call doing what he loved.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Thomas, and a younger brother, Mark Thomas. He is survived by his mother, Maudie Thomas; one son, Robert Cody Thomas, and his wife, Melinda; his grandchildren, Mason and Emma; two sisters; and a host of nieces and nephews.