Beloved Dispatcher Mourned By Danbury Fire Department

DANBURY, CT — Bob Nelson, the "voice" of the Danbury Fire Radio during his tenure at the city's dispatch center, has died, according to the Danbury Fire Department.

In a Facebook post, fire officials said Nelson started with Western Conn 911 Center (IXP Danbury) as one of its original hires and started training as a 911 telecommunicator in November 2014.

Nelson served many roles within the Communication Center throughout his time with IXP. In addition to his primary duties as a 911 call taker, he was certified as an emergency medical dispatcher and, on countless occasions, was able to provide medical instructions such as CPR or Narcan administration to callers in need.

He also used his prior skills as a teacher to assist other team members as they learned how to perform vital skills, according to fire officials.

Nelson later became a primary fire/EMS dispatcher. For the last several years, his booming voice was heard dispatching fire and EMS on the fire radio.

"Bob held himself to a high standard and would drive himself and other crew members to be better than the day before," fire officials said on Facebook.

In his free time, Nelson enjoyed fishing and rooting for the New York Yankees and New York Giants. A true fan of 70's rock music, he attended over 30 Elton John concerts and many Rolling Stones concerts, among other artists.

"Bob's sudden passing leaves the entire staff stunned and saddened," fire officials said.

Friends will be received Nov. 2 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Beecher Funeral Home, located at 1 Putnam Avenue in Brewster, N.Y.

Per his family, donations in Nelson's name can be made to www.coloncancerfoundation.org.