Robert John Tieche Sr. was born May 4‚ 1948‚ in Youngstown‚ Ohio‚ to Howard and Irene Belott Tieche. He graduated from Canfield High School and attended Youngstown State University and Kent State University. In 1969‚ Bob joined his parents to work at the family bakery‚ Tieche Pie. Bob met his wife Deby at the bakery‚ and the two continued the family business until its closing in 1982.

In 1971‚ Bob became a volunteer firefighter with the Canfield Fire Department. His love for the fire service grew‚ and he made a career of it in 1983 when he was appointed fire chief by the City of Canfield. He was instrumental in creating the Cardinal Joint Fire District (CJFD) and was appointed fire chief of the district upon its creation in 1990‚ a position he held until his passing. He was dedicated to his colleagues‚ employees‚ and community. Even on holidays‚ birthdays and anniversaries‚ Bob attended to the many duties of being a fire chief. He helped create the Mahoning County Fire Chiefs’ Association where he held many positions‚ including president. He also helped establish the Mahoning County Hazardous Materials Response Team.

Bob had a vision to make the CJFD a very progressive department‚ and he never stopped trying to achieve this goal. He led the department from a volunteer organization to a paid department and was instrumental in CJFD becoming the first paid department in Mahoning County to provide paramedic services 24 hours a day. Due to his diligence‚ the department was honored in 2006 with a national award for having AEDs in many public buildings. Bob was a fire inspector‚ fire instructor‚ and past president of the NEOEMS council. His pride and dedication as a fire chief shined until the day he passed away. Bob responded to a call the night before his passing‚ even though he was feeling ill.

Bob was as passionate about his family as he was with his career. His wife Deby was the light of his eyes‚ and he was an amazing husband. A dedicated father to Rob and Katie‚ he was very proud of his children’s achievements and accomplishments. Rob followed in his father’s footsteps and became a full-time firefighter/paramedic under Bob’s direction. Bob loved watching Katie play softball. To his five grandchildren – Robert III‚ Anna‚ Alyssa‚ Joey‚ and Timmy – he was affectionately known as ‘GrandBob’ or ‘BobBob.’ He loved taking them places and showing them off. Bob also enjoyed NASCAR‚ golfing‚ trips to Myrtle Beach‚ and driving his Camaro.

Bob was a compassionate man who always put others first. Memories and stories about him will continue to be told for a long time. His legacy lives on through his children‚ grandchildren and the members of the CJFD!