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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E696]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF ROBERT J. SCHWANZL
______
HON. MARCY KAPTUR
of ohio
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker. I rise today to remember the life of
Robert Schwanzl who had a distinguished career and was an outstanding
Ohioan. He dedicated his adult life to protecting and serving his
community and nation.
Bob was born and raised in the Toledo area. He attended Central
Catholic High School, where he decided to join the Army after
graduation. He started as a sergeant in the U.S. Army, working in
intelligence during the Korean War. Upon returning to Toledo, he served
at the Toledo Fire Department for 40 years before retiring in 1998.
Working at the fire department was a source of pride for Bob, saying
``it's not work if you love what you do''. He worked his way to Fire
Chief in 1994, where he proudly took on major responsibilities for his
community. He oversaw the first female firefighters complete their
training and supported the creation of the Toledo Fire Department's
water rescue unit. After his graduation from Owens Tech with a degree
in their inaugural Fire Science class. he worked as a fire science
instructor at Owens for fifteen years.
Above all his love for his family exceeded all other passions. He and
his wife Carolyn spent 53 years together and had four children together
and later sixteen grandchildren. Late in his career and through
retirement, Bob became highly involved with the Toledo Firefighters
Museum, and served as its President since 1993. His family and extended
family enjoyed trips to the Museum, listening to Bob explain the
exhibits with enthusiasm and pride. This was especially true when he
and the other volunteers were able to locate a new artifact from other
museums or private owners. Bob also became deeply involved in his
church, St. Joe's of Maumee. He was a frequent lector and usher and an
active member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight in
2016.
He also enjoyed traveling, whether it was to visit his children and
grandchildren or to visit Ireland, where at 85 years old he kissed the
Blarney Stone, or Rome, where Bob was able to see the Pope for a second
time in his life.
Bob will be remembered for his love and commitment to his nation
community, family, friends, and colleagues. He was a man of integrity
and an inspiration to countless people throughout his life,
demonstrating humility and kindness always. Whether heroically
commanding a scene, teaching a class or telling a story, Bob had a
commanding voice that cannot be forgotten. He will be remembered
admirably by our community. Chief Schwanzl assumed the awesome
responsibility of leading one of the largest Fire Divisions in Ohio and
ably served for four decades. His dutiful works for the city of Toledo
built a finer city and place him in the ranks of citizens who become a
father for all of Toledo. May the angels raise him to a place of peace
and comfort which he has richly earned.
____________________