The Austin Fire Department said goodbye recently to former 11-year chief Bill Roberts, who passed away on January 16.
Roberts was elevated to chief at the Austin Fire Department on March 7, 1983, and would remain at that post until 1994. During his time at the helm of AFD, Roberts was credited with revolutionizing certain techniques and practices, which have since been applied nationwide.
“Among his many accomplishments while at AFD was his implementation of the High-Volume Smoke Removal System, known as the ‘Smoke Buster’, put into operation in 1984,” AFD said in a post on the city’s website. “This giant fan placed onto the back of a truck whose assigned driver responded to every fire in the city was the brainchild of Chief Roberts; it revolutionized the concept of positive pressure ventilation and influenced the fire service nationwide.”
Roberts’ impact on fire departments didn’t stop there.
“Chief Roberts was also responsible for launching AFD’s reputation as an early adopter of innovation in the fire service, many of which are now taken for granted in our industry. Those included the Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS devices), Thermal Imaging Cameras (TICs), vehicular command posts, and fire engine deck guns, as well as the development of the donning valve for Scott AirPak breathing apparatus. Additionally, at a time when three-person staffing was the norm, Roberts implemented ‘manpower units’ in order to bring more firefighters to fires, AFD said.
In 1994, Chief Roberts retired to the mountains of Western North Carolina, where he lived until his passing. In 1995, the new public safety training facility at 4800 Shaw Lane opened for operation; it was dedicated to Chief Roberts to honor his years of service.
He is survived by his daughter, Renee Burks, of Hamilton, Texas, and one grandchild. Private services will be held.
