Robert V. Hall, Jr., Fire Rescue Chief

Fire Rescue Chief Robert “Bobby” Hall began his career in public safety in 1976, becoming an EMT and soon after a paramedic for the emergency medical service provider for St. Johns County. From 1978-1980, Chief Hall served on the St. Johns County Rescue Advisory Board, which determined EMS needs and formulated recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners, which ultimately led to the formation of a county operated EMS system. Over the next two decades, Chief Hall rose through the ranks of the department, and has continuously been involved in policy setting, formulation of operational and medical protocols, administrative direction, budget preparations, as well as supervising emergency operations.  Additionally during this time, Chief Hall served on numerous local and state committees, including the EMS Advisory Council Ad Hoc Committee for End-of-Life Care, Northeast Florida Regional Domestic Security Task Force, Mutual Aid Response Coordinator for the Florida Fire Chief’s Association, the First Coast Technical Center’s Emergency Services Steering Committee and the Hospice Northeast Florida Advisory Board.

Chief Hall was asked to serve as the interim Fire Rescue Chief in 2001 and was appointed Fire Rescue Chief in 2002. He has since initiated the total reorganization of the Fire Rescue Department, which has resulted in uniform, county-wide operational standards for career and volunteer staff, and has provided coordination of appropriate emergency response throughout the county. Another major accomplishment during the past 5 years has been the implementation of long-range departmental goals and objectives, addressing staffing, equipment, stations, and 911 communications, which has been supported by the Board of County Commissioners and the public at large.