Robert ‘Bob’ Strang was born in Olmstead‚ Ohio‚ on March 9‚ 1949‚ to Aida and Stanley Strang. He relocated to the Melbourne‚ Florida‚ area in 1973. As a career firefighter‚ Bob was able to enjoy 20 years of service with the Orange County Fire Rescue Department in Orlando and also served 29 years with the Melbourne Fire Department. He rose up the ranks rapidly‚ topping his career at the rank of fire lieutenant with the MFD‚ and was highly respected by his friends and peers alike. He was a member of the International Association of Firefighters‚ Local 1951‚ and throughout his career received numerous awards and certificates.

While doing the job he loved the most-firefighting-Lt. Strang gave his life for his community on March 26‚ 2009. The department and the community lost a vital friend and a valued member of the community. He will surely be missed by his coworkers and by members of other departments including the Melbourne Police Department‚ Palm Bay Fire and Police Departments‚ and the men and women of the Orange County Fire Rescue Department.

Bob is missed by his beloved family and countless friends and admirers throughout Brevard County. In his later years with the department‚ Lt. Strang enjoyed having more free time than he had during the years when he worked two jobs. He enjoyed many hours with his 20-year-old son‚ Derek‚ working on family projects in and around the house and just spending quality time together‚ He motivated Derek to advance his learning skills to a higher level of education‚ impressing upon him that it was imperative to receive as much education as possible to reach your goals. You could tell that Bob certainly enjoyed time with his son when they were together.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. As a chief officer remarked after the tragedy happened‚ ‘It makes you realize how short life is.’ Lt. Bob Strang will be sorely missed in this department.