Robinson continues family firefighting legacy

Mark Robinson shakes hands with his dad, Dewey Robinson. Dewey joined the department in 1974 and served for 45 years, retiring in 2019 as Deputy District Chief. Mark was recently promoted to Deputy District Chief. 

Paris Independent Staff

Staff Contribution

The County of Brant Fire Department has named Mark Robinson as its new Deputy District Fire Chief, continuing a proud family tradition that spans generations of service to the local community.

Robinson began his career with the department in 2004 as a recruit firefighter and has since steadily advanced through the ranks. “Throughout my career I have taken an interest in training,” said Robinson. “After returning from Texas, with the help of a group of like-minded firefighters we formed the Station 1 training committee, and later I sat on the COBFD training committee, creating standardized training for all eight County stations.”

In 2010, Robinson travelled to Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) to obtain his Firefighter I/II certification — part of his ongoing commitment to professional development. “I continued my education taking courses and training to advance my skills and knowledge as a firefighter,” he said.

When his father, Dewey Robinson, retired from Station 1 in 2019, Mark stepped up to fill the gap in the officer core and was promoted to Captain. Since then, he has continued building his skills, recently achieving promotion to Deputy District Chief. “I applied and interviewed for the Deputy District Chief, but to even apply I had to meet the minimum qualifications for the position set out by the County and the Province, to which I currently hold most of the required certifications,” said Robinson. “But I will continue to educate myself because I firmly believe firefighting is a profession of lifelong learning.”

Robinson’s deep ties to the fire service trace back generations. “My family's dedication to the fire service definitely inspired me to become a firefighter,” he said. His great-grandfather, Robert Lowe, served on the department beginning in the 1940s. Lowe later encouraged Robinson’s grandfather, Jack Robinson, to join the ranks in 1952. Jack served as a firefighter for 37 years, retiring in 1989.

Mark’s father, Dewey, joined the department in 1974 and served for 45 years, retiring in 2019 as Deputy District Chief. “I had the pleasure of serving with and learning from my dad for 15 years,” said Mark. “Upon my dad's retirement I was given the number 102, once worn by my father and grandfather.”

Growing up around the station, Robinson says his passion was sparked early. “I grew up at the fire station, spending almost every weekend giving station and truck tours to people passing by, helping roll hose, and clean trucks. I've wanted to be a firefighter for as long as I can remember.”

As Deputy District Chief, Robinson will help lead tactical operations, enforce department rules, oversee volunteer recruitment and training, and engage in fire prevention and community outreach. “I am looking forward my new role as DDC, I plan to continue focusing on training and keeping the County of Brant Fire Department and Station 1 at the forefront of the fire service,” he said. “I believe that good communication and open/honest leadership will assist me in being successful in this new position.”

Robinson acknowledged the support of his family and the demands of serving as a volunteer firefighter. “Volunteer firefighters wouldn't be able to do what we do without all the support from our families and employers,” he said. “Being on call and being able to leave at the drop of the tone isn't always easy, not to mention the time commitment for training, meetings, and other fire department events.”

Beyond emergency response, Robinson values the department’s role in community involvement, including events such as the Santa Claus parade, Jingle Bell Night, toy and food drives, and fire prevention initiatives.

He also credits strong mentorship throughout his career. “I was lucky enough to be able to serve under some great long-term senior leadership with District Chief John Emerson, and DDCs John Fazekas and my dad Dewey Robinson, as well as many great Captains.”

With the recent retirement of District Chief Bruce Barrett, former Deputy District Chief John Barrett was promoted to District Chief, opening the door for Robinson’s latest advancement — a continuation of a legacy rooted in service, leadership and family tradition.