Retired Fire Marshal Robert “Bob” Kline will be honored at West Manatee Fire Rescue’s new Station 1.
In a unanimous vote July 21, commissioners agreed to name the newly built station at 407 67th St. W., Bradenton, in honor of Kline, who served at the location with the Westside Fire District for 30 years.
WMFR Capt. Chris Sheppard made the request to commissioners. “Bob was a very big part of this community,” he said.
Retired Chief Ed Cleveland also spoke in favor of the tribute. “Bob was my first company officer when I came here in 1977,” he said. “There’s probably no one who loved the fire department more than Bob. No one had more pride in that fire station than Bob.”
Retired Deputy Chief Brett Pollock also spoke on behalf of the station dedication, recalling how Kline continued after his retirement to visit the station every day.
“There’s no greater honor for anyone to receive than to be recognized by your peers as you have done today for Bob,” Commissioner Randy Cooper said, acknowledging those who spoke in favor of the station dedication. “It’s a very appropriate dedication.”
The station dedication will coincide with the official ribbon-cutting for the new fire station and an open house Oct. 8, concluding Fire Prevention Week.
Construction on the station was completed earlier in July with July 25 planned as its first official day of service.
Commissioners will next meet at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, for a budget workshop followed by a meeting at the administration building, 6417 Third Ave. W., Bradenton.