FIRE SERVICE CERTIFICATION

Robert “Bob” Rose was recently honored with the Johnny G. Wilson Memorial Award by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board). This award is presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated professionalism in the field of fire service certification in the same manner that Mr. Wilson performed for the Georgia Fire Fighter Standards and Training Council.

Bob began as a volunteer with Odenton Volunteer Fire Company in March of 1973 and had a distinguished 30-year career with the Anne Arundel County Fire Department, retiring as a captain. He remains active to this day, approaching 50 years of continuous active service. He is particularly known for his mentoring of pump operators and his insistence on doing things “the right way.”

“Bob became a Field Instructor for Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute (MFRI) in 1983, first within the fire discipline and then progressing to rescue, hazardous materials, terrorism and management,” said MFRI Executive Director Michael Cox. “He continues to maintain his status as a certified Emergency Services Instructor and Instructor Evaluator with MFRI and has often taught classes for his volunteer company, taking no compensation so that new members may obtain riding status sooner.”

At MFRI, Bob is the “go to” person for any questions concerning requirements for professional fire service qualifications. He continuously promotes the certification program and regularly reaches out to fire service personnel across the state to enable their certification at each eligible level. He developed a MFRI ‘Certification Seminar’ which he provides to departments on request.

Bob has been an Alternate Representative to the Maryland Fire Service Personnel Qualifications Board (MFSPQB) from 1990 to 1995, and from 2002 to present, representing Anne Arundel County and has attended every annual meeting of the MFSPQB since 2005. He has been a member of the delegation representing the MFSPQB at every annual National “Pro Board” Conference since 2005.

Previously, Bob was recognized by the Chesapeake Society of Fire and Rescue Instructors as the Francis L. Brannagan Instructor of the Year. He was also awarded the Maryland State Firemen’s Association Russell J. Strickland Award by the MFSPQB for “exemplary efforts in the promotion of certification for fire and emergency services personnel in the state of Maryland.” In further recognition of his service and commitment, during the 2022 annual meeting of the MFSPQB, Bob was appointed Executive Secretary by acclamation.

“Bob is widely respected by fire service personnel throughout the state,” said Jack Beall, who nominated him for the award and serves as coordinator for MFRI’s Upper Eastern Shore Regional Training Center. “He has made immeasurable contributions to his volunteer fire company, his career department, MFRI, and to fire service training and certification across Maryland.”

“I could not think of a better person to receive this award,” said Betty Jane Gannon who also works at the Upper Eastern Shore Regional Training Center. “Bob is known throughout the country for the work he has done with certification and Accredited Training Review Agency (ATRA). He has a heart of gold and would give the shirt off his back if he thought someone needed it.”