Robert L. “Bob” Wysong was born on August 11, 1953, to James and Idella Wysong. He grew up playing with fire trucks in the Clarksville firehouse, next to his home. His father and brothers served on the Clarksville Volunteer Fire Department. As a teenager, Bob and his friends would join the department on runs after school. They would help in any way they could, including fighting fires and directing traffic.

Throughout high school, Bob enjoyed playing sports. He excelled in basketball and was inducted into the Clinton-Massie Hall of Fame. Upon graduation, he became a dedicated public servant, serving on the fire department for 50+ years and with the Warren County Career Center for 27 years.

In his 50+ years of service to the department, he served in various roles, most recently as the chief for 37 years. He had a vision to evolve the small-town fire department into what is now the Clinton-Warren Joint Fire and Rescue District. Chief Wysong was instrumental in developing the fire district that opened in October 2004. Safety was a priority for Chief Wysong, and he continued to expand his vision by leading a top-of-the-line training facility project that included a three-story burn tower, an in-house grain bin rescue prop, and a classroom for regional training and learning facilities. He was continually evolving the department and listening to his trusted team, always available to them. He loved to mow grass and integrated it into his duties. In his straw fire helmet branded “Fire Chief,” a Christmas gift from department members, he would groom the firehouse lawn to perfection on his Kubota tractor.

Chief Wysong was a dedicated and loving husband to his wife of 38 years, Cathy; a loving and supportive father to his son, Andrew; and a mentor/father figure to many other family and community members, including members of his department. He loved his dogs, Brody and Sammie, who were always excited to see him. Bob always spoiled them with lots of treats after they waited patiently for him to come home.

He was calm in the storm of life, never panicking and always patient. He had a way of making things better when things felt like they were falling apart. He welcomed everyone with a big hug or a pat on the back and always knew when you needed one. His hugs were the best part of your day and made everything better.

Chief Wysong is greatly missed, but his legacy will live on in his son, who was recently sworn in as the new chief of the Clinton-Warren Joint Fire and Rescue District. Bob would be so proud of Andrew!