In Fort Mitchell, unpaid professionals are the ones answering the call for service – neighbors who become heroes in moments of crisis.
Residents see them on their worst days, or when they are working fires and accidents. But what they do not see is the sacrifice, the training, and the tradition that shape the firefighters who answer the call – experiences which may stay with them forever.
The Fort Mitchell Volunteer Fire Department, an 18-member department, is led by Fire Chief Bob Franklin. Franklin has been a member of the department since 1992, sacrificing dinners, family gatherings, and holidays to serve a community that he still serves to this day.
Franklin joined the department after being recruited by his brother, who served as assistant chief at the time. What began as a family connection quickly became a lifelong commitment built on training, adaptability, and service to the Fort Mitchell community. He now uses his experiences and training to assist every firefighter who walks through the department doors…