It was with great sadness that Pittsburgh Public Safety observed the passing of Robert Full on July 17, 2020.

Mr. Full began his public service as a first responder with the Forest Hills Fire Department in the early 1970’s. For 45 years, he also served the City of Pittsburgh (EMS), Allegheny County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

“Bob was a mentor and a teacher to me,” Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich said. “I’ve known Bob since I started my Public Safety career with Forest Hills in 1978. He was a leader. He was a well-known instructor in firefighting, rescue, and hazmat throughout the region. Bob Full was an incredible ally of Public Safety.”

Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire Assistant Chief Norman Auvil remembered Full as a close friend who was instrumental in creating the City’s Rescue and HazMat services.

“He was absolutely focused on the mission at hand,” Auvil said. “Rescue, HazMat, EMS Medicine—he wanted nothing more than the best training and the best equipment for the people under his command. ... He was sincere. Quiet. Totally dedicated to whatever he was doing. He was just a good guy—one of those guys. You know, we all have priorities in life. Despite everything he accomplished in life, his priority was always his family.”

“Bob Full was a leader in the city, county and state who was always an advocate for EMS and Public Safety,” EMS Chief Ronald Romano added. “He helped shape Rescue services and Hazard Materials training. He was an important figure who oversaw many advances in Public Safety.”