Central Texas Fire Chief Dies Of Injuries From Fire

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(July 6, 2008)—Teague Volunteer Fire Department Chief Robert Knight, 42, has died of injuries he received while battling a building fire in downtown Teague.

Knight died Saturday night at a hospital in Tyler, where he was taken after he was injured earlier in the collapse of a wall.

Knight, who lived most of his life in Teague, was a 1988 Texas A&M graduate who worked as an engineer for the BNSF Railroad.

He joined the Teague VFD in 1989 and became chief in 1999.

He also volunteered as a paramedic.

In April, the Teague Chamber of Commerce named him Citizen of the Year.

Visitation is Tuesday at Bowers Funeral Home in Teague.

Funeral services are at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at the First Baptist Church of Teague.

Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

Knight is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters.

Bowers Funeral Home Web Site

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Dan Location: Clarendon N.Y. on Jul 10, 2008 at 09:17 AM
I didn't know Chief Knight but being a 35 year veteran and past chief I know his kind,dedecated not only to his wife & children but also to his family at the fire house.His memory will always be there with the training & leadership that he has provided over the years.He would not want you to be sad he would want you to celebrate his life and keep building that supper stucture that he has worked so hard to provie for you.Remember God is always looking for the one with enthusiasm, passion and love to help others, Chief Knight has been called up for duty, he as been appointed as one of our heavenly Fire Chiefs that will watch over us. My heartfelt condolances goes out to his wife & children and to the members of the Teague Fire Dept.God Bless Past Chief Dan Campbell Clarendon Fire Co. Clarendon N.Y.

Posted by: Jeff Location: Grapevine on Jul 9, 2008 at 09:22 PM
Robert will always be remembered for all that he did in Freestone County. He was a leader and friend that put forth so much effort to helping all those around him. He is what a Fire Chief was suppose to be and I will miss him a great deal. Please pray for his family, friends and Teague Fire Department for there loss. His shoes will never be filled and he will be held as a HERO in my book. May you rest in peace in, my friend.

Posted by: Karen Rogers, ETMC Location: Teague, TX on Jul 9, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Your courage that day will always be remembered! Heroes like you will never be forgotten. God Bless you and your family!

Posted by: Melissa Collins Easterling Location: Mexia, Tx on Jul 9, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Robert was a good friend, he graduated two years ahead of me in high school, he in Teague, and I in Mexia. We had many mutual friends. He always had a smile on his face, and loved the lord with all his heart and soul. Though I haven't seen him since high school, I had heard of the wonderful work he was doing keeping the railroad employees safe and work, and making Freestone County a great place to live. God Bless Robert Knight, and may the lord hold his family in his arms and comfort them during this sorrowful time.

Posted by: Sarah Location: Tucker VFD on Jul 9, 2008 at 08:27 AM
I send my deepest sympathy and my prayers to the family, Teague VFD, friends, community and to all who knew hom. He will be sadly missed and never forgoten. My heart hurts for you all. Chief Robert Knight was the bravestst of the Bravest and May God bless him and his family. I have you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Posted by: Needham Fire Rescue Location: Conroe,Tx on Jul 8, 2008 at 06:42 PM
This is a sad day for the brotherhood that we hold so dear to our hearts.Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and the department.

Posted by: Robinson VFD Location: Robinson, Texas on Jul 8, 2008 at 04:00 PM
The members of the Robinson Volunteer Fire Department send's our deepest sympathy and prayers to the Family and Friends of Cheif Knight. He was a true hero to the community in which he served.

Posted by: Jay Location: Donie V.F.D. Donie, Tx. on Jul 8, 2008 at 03:46 PM
Robert was not only a leader of the Teague VFD, but he also provided leadership and training in Volunteer Fire Departments for many surounding comunities. The impact of this tragedy will be felt for years. No one will replace him. The Donie VFD Offers our thoughts and prayers to the Knight family and Teague VFD family. Thank you Robert for all guidance and support.

Posted by: Joe Location: Fairfield on Jul 8, 2008 at 03:23 PM
Chief Robert Knight will be missed, his enthusiasm and passion for his life overflowed to us all, i am fortunate to have known him, God bless Chief Knight and his family, our prayers are with you

Posted by: New Berlin VFD Location: Guadalupe County on Jul 8, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Our thoughts and prayers are with Chief Knight and his family, friends and brother firefighters as we cope with the loss of a great person. May the Lord be with us all.

Posted by: Greg Wagner Location: Haltom City, TX on Jul 8, 2008 at 10:19 AM
On behalf of the Haltom City Professional Firefighters Association we extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the family, Teague Fire dept. and community. God bless

Posted by: Charlie Location: Jourdanton, Texas on Jul 8, 2008 at 08:13 AM
Jourdanton VFD sends our condolences to the Knights family, Teague VFD, and friends. God Bless.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: teague,texas on Jul 7, 2008 at 06:45 PM
the cobbs family of teague send's it's condolences to the feague fire dept and to the family of chief robert knight. he may not have liked to be called a hero but to the people of teague he was . our prayers are with you . God Bless You

Posted by: asst.chief d.milton Location: mabank,tx on Jul 7, 2008 at 06:27 PM
on behalf of the mabank fire dept. we send our condolences to the teague fire dept. and chief knights family.

Posted by: Local 4506 Location: Belton on Jul 7, 2008 at 04:19 PM
On behalf of the members of the Belton Professional Firefighters Association we extend our deepest condolences to the Teague community. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Nicholas Olson, President Belton Professional Firefighters Association IAFF Local 4506

Posted by: TIM Location: Autryville Area Fire Department Sampson County NC on Jul 7, 2008 at 03:49 PM
Chief Knight will be greatly missed as one of our fallen brothers to the family our prayers go out to you all in north carolina

Posted by: Brody Location: Mexia on Jul 7, 2008 at 03:03 PM
I was privileged to know and work with Robert. He was a great man, leader, and friend. He always had a smile on his face and would put one on yours if you were having a bad day. He will be greatly missed by all his friends and family. Rest easy Chief...

Posted by: Linda Location: Teague on Jul 7, 2008 at 02:56 PM
Our hearts are from the loss of Robert. He was loved by all. We will miss him. Our prayers are with his family.

Posted by: Emory Location: Temple on Jul 7, 2008 at 02:46 PM
Robert was a friend and a Hero. There are too many words to describe him. He will be lost but never forgotten. His compassion for what he did was indescribable. We all feel a great loss, and my heart goes out to his family. He was more then a co-worker, but a friend. Just seeing him in a room, a meeting, etc would lighten up the day. God bless, and Robert you were a great friend, you will be missed.

Posted by: Mike Location: gatesville on Jul 7, 2008 at 02:16 PM
Condolences to the family and the town of Teague. Did not know the man personally, but know the breed. All people should bow down and kiss the ground fire fighters work on, as they are unappreciated. I know the feeling since I am a Police Officer and understand. RIP

Posted by: Shawn Location: Preston Fire Dept on Jul 7, 2008 at 02:09 PM
On behalf of the officers and firefighters of Preston Fire Dept we send our prays to the friends and family of Chief Knight. May he rest in peace and his sacrifice will not be forgoton.

Posted by: Heartbroken Location: Temple on Jul 7, 2008 at 02:08 PM
Your family is in my prayers!!!!

Posted by: Chris Location: Rogers on Jul 7, 2008 at 02:06 PM
We send our prayers and heartfelt compassion to the family of Robert Knight. The family shared him to give to others and was taken doing what he loved. Being a longtime member of the volunteer fire service and as a Chief, I know that the love goes deep in performing that duty daily. Although time will heal, his memory,and the many he touched will never be forgotten. God Bless from the Little River-Academy Volunteer Fire Department.

Posted by: Capt.Jeff Harrison Location: St.Paul's Fire Dept. (S.C.) on Jul 7, 2008 at 01:58 PM
I wish the best to the family and friends of Chief Knight. It is not easy coping with the loss of a love one and I will say a prayer for your family

Posted by: CH Location: EMS on Jul 7, 2008 at 01:55 PM
May God bless all of you who knew Robert Knight and especially his family. I know you have a hard road ahead of you, but know you will never be alone. I myself have been walking that road from the EMS side since last year. It is caring and brave ones like Robert that make the world a better place to live in and I know he will be missed. My heart cries out to you all. My prayers will be with you always. God Bless you Chief Robert Knight and Lord watch over his family and the Teague Fire Department at this time.

Posted by: morgan Location: teague on Jul 7, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Robert Knight was like my dad...he was ALWAYS there for me when I needed him. His children meant the world to him and he made sure everyone knew that. He was a kind person who always had a smile on his face. He was one of the few great people in this world and its hard for every person in Teague and everyone who knew him. This man was INCREDIBLE and people should really pay attention to what he has done because I KNOW that he has made a difference in my life and a difference in the heart and souls of everyone who knew him. God Bless.

Posted by: noonday on Jul 7, 2008 at 10:55 AM
my heart goes out to your firedepartment and your family. we lost 2 last year and i know you are never the same. I know he died doing what he loved. May you rest in peace Chief Robert Knight my brother and God bless you and your family for the sacrifice you have made.

Posted by: No Name Location: No City on Jul 7, 2008 at 10:38 AM
A good man will be missed by all. Prayers go out to your family. We are blessed to have known you.

Posted by: MKW Location: Palestine on Jul 7, 2008 at 10:28 AM
This is the way I describe my friend . 1 John Chapter 4 17-18 God is love . When we take up permanent residence in a life of love , we live in God and God lives in us . This way , Love has the run of the house , becomes at home and mature in us , so that we're free of worry on judgement day - our standing in the world is identical with Christ's , there is no room in love for fear . Well-formed love banishes fear . My dear friend loved his family , his friends and his community . He had no fear of loving and it showed in the life he led and the examples he displayed . I love his family and I love him .

Posted by: Michael E. Mayfield Location: Nolanville, Tx on Jul 7, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of this man. This man shared the same interest as I do. Firefighting and trains. May God be with the Teague fire department and the family of Chief Knight. God bless. Mike (Mikey) Mayfield, Ass't chief Nolanville Fire Dept.

Posted by: v Location: teague on Jul 7, 2008 at 10:04 AM
Every citizen of Teague and all who knew Robert has lost a "soul mate". There was never a more dedicated father, brother, friend, volunteer and co-worker than this man that we so tragically lost Saturday night. May God take his family in His arms and keep them safe to help them get through the trying times ahead. Robert will live with us all forever.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: South Carolina on Jul 7, 2008 at 10:01 AM
This was a man who daily led by example. He was a moral, comapassionate man that always went against the grain. When I met him he told me that good always wins and do what you know is right no matter what. I believe that what he done was exemplary, just like him, and he sacrificed everything knowing he would leave a legacy for his children. Was he a hero? Yes in every way but anyone who knew him well would say that he would not have wanted that title. Good won this time and heaven called up a very special man. God bless his family.

Posted by: Kasia Location: Waco on Jul 7, 2008 at 09:50 AM
Thank you, and all those like you, who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Your bravery and the bravery of those who live on will be forever appreciated and remembered in our hearts. My prayers are with your family, your friends, your community, and all those who stood with you in that battle.

Posted by: Mancy Location: Teague on Jul 7, 2008 at 09:28 AM
This was a man who stood tall among men. I had the pleasure of watching him grow up and take his place of honor as a true leader in our community. He was our "spark plug". He will be missed by everyone fortunate enough to know him. My heartfelt condolances to his wife and children.

Posted by: Rogers VFD Location: Rogers Tx on Jul 7, 2008 at 09:06 AM
My heart goes out to you and your family. You left us too soon. I know there are many broken hearts. You are one that makes America Proud and that makes America Good. Blessings on your family.

Posted by: monte d. Location: Teague on Jul 7, 2008 at 06:40 AM
Lord, be with his family in this time of need and thank you for giving us this good man. Take care my friend, you will always be in our hearts.

Posted by: Rachel Location: Temple on Jul 7, 2008 at 06:37 AM
Firefighters are true heroes every single day and on every single call. May we not forget or fail to appreciate the true services that they render. To the family, my thoughts and prayers are with you today.

Posted by: LLVFD Location: LL on Jul 7, 2008 at 05:36 AM
Rest in Peace. You have made the sacrifice that we as firefighters pledge to give for the safety of others. Condolences to the family.

Posted by: lmc ems 12 Location: groesbeck on Jul 6, 2008 at 11:55 PM
I had the honor of knowing Robert not only as a friend but as a co worker and BROTHER. He was one of the greatest men you could ever wish to meet and he will be missed by all in Freestone and Limestone Counties.

Posted by: mbd Location: central texas on Jul 6, 2008 at 10:33 PM
I did not know this man, but I'm willing to bet he gave his life doing what he liked best...helping others!! He looks like an awesomely kind man. He had to be well-liked and must have had "others" as his motto or he wouldn't have been named Citizen of the Year. Condolences to the family!

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 6, 2008 at 09:42 PM
Rest in peace brother. We will miss you and never forget you.

Posted by: very sad Location: Teague on Jul 6, 2008 at 09:06 PM
He was a good father and husband. His daughter was on my nephew's T-ball teeam and he was always ready to help. Teague has lost a good citizen.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Mexia,Tx on Jul 6, 2008 at 06:35 PM
Robert was one of the best people the world has ever had the chance to know. He always had a smile on his face and a good word to say no matter what was going on in his life! Robert worked tirelessly and volunteered many hours making Freestone County a better and safer place to live for everyone whether he knew you personally or just in passing. To anyone who did not know Robert I am sorry that you weren't lucky enough to have crossed his path because he would have enriched and brightened your life! As for those of us that were blessed enough to have him grace our lives with his presence, our worlds will be forever darker without his laughter and love, he will be more greatly missed than I could ever write or speak.

Posted by: MARCUS WOOD Location: TEAGUE, TEXAS on Jul 6, 2008 at 06:10 PM
THIS MAN WAS A GOOD FRIEND AND DEDICATED FIREMAN IN OUR TOWN. THERE WASN'T A DAY GO BY YOU DIDN'T SEE THAT SMILE ON HIS FACE AND ALWAYS A FRIENDLY "HELLO". HE WILL BE MISSED BY EVERY CITIZEN OF TEAGUE AND HOW MUCH WE APPRECIATED HIS DEDICATION TO OUR TOWN AND AS A TRUE FRIEND. MAY GOD TAKE HIM IN HIS ARMS. MARCUS WOOD..RETIRED TEAGUE VOLUNTEER FIREMAN

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