Bob Strang

Lieutenant Robert I Strang, 60 of Canaveral Groves, passed away (LODD) Thursday March 26th, 2009 at Fire Station 74 in Melbourne.

He was born in Olmstead Falls, Ohio and relocated to Melbourne in 1973. He started working for the Melbourne Fire Dept. as a firefighter in 1980 and was promoted to Lieutenant in 1999. He was a member of the International Association of Firefighters Local 1951. He received numerous awards and certificates throughout his career.

Lt. Strange gave his life for his community while doing the one job he loved most, fire-fighting.  We lost a vital friend and community member. I join the those in mourning including the members of the Melbourne Fire Dept., Police Dept, EMS, City Council those in similar departments within Palm Bay, his beloved family and countless friends/admirers throughout Brevard County.

Authorities said 60-year-old Melbourne Fire Department Lt. Robert Strang was found unresponsive at Station 74. Paramedics at the station, who worked with the 29-year department veteran, attempted to revive him for nearly 30 minutes before he was pronounced dead by doctors.

"He was well-respected among his peers," said Assistant Fire Chief Greg Anglin of the Melbourne Fire Department. "He was scheduled to retire at the end of the year. Right now the mood in the department is somber. It makes you realize how short life is."

Strang and his crew at Station 74, the city's primary station, had earlier fought a downtown fire at a law office and had returned to quarters about 9 p.m. Thursday, officials said. "Everyone said he was jovial, didn't complain of any problems," Anglin said. About 40 minutes later, another station lieutenant went to talk to Strang and found him sitting in a chair but unresponsive.

RIP Bob