Chief Robert C Baldwin, Jr
Presented at the Department's Inspection Banquet on May 2, 2026...
The McNary Award is presented each year to a member who exemplifies dedication, professionalism, and concern for fellow firefighters. This year’s recipient embodies each of those qualities. He joined this company young and eager and has grown into one of the most dedicated and dependable members of the Elsmere Fire Company.
Dedication.
For more than two decades, this member has devoted himself to the department and to the people in it. His commitment has never wavered, and his loyalty to this company is clear in everything he does.
Professionalism.
When he joined in 1999, some of the old-timers may not have believed professionalism was a quality he would ever fully achieve. But with time, experience, and maybe a little help from a wife and a few kids, he became a pivotal representative of this department. In fact, he is now even known for taking notes at monthly meetings, which may be one of the clearest signs of growth any firefighter can show.
Concern for Fellow Firefighters.
This member leads with a big heart and genuine care for others. Whether he is looking out for the future of our Explorers or standing by our oldest members in their final days, he has shown time and again that the people of this department are family to him. He carries a deep concern for his fellow firefighters and for the Elsmere Fire Company as a whole.
Robert C. Baldwin, you have served the Elsmere Fire Company for 27 years, which is longer than Chief Obernesser has been alive. You have spent 22 of those years serving as a line officer. At this point, your badge is officially old enough to drink.
But jokes aside, one thing we all know for certain is this: you will always stand by and defend this department to the very end.
Bob, congratulations on receiving the McNary Award, and thank you for all that you do for this company and everyone in it.