Family, community gather to remember fallen Colorado Springs firefighter Bobby Keese

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - Family, friends and co-workers of Bobby Keese a driver/engineer for the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD), gathered at New Life Church on Thursday to remember his life and legacy.

Bobby, 55, worked for the CSFD for 30 years and passed unexpectedly two weeks ago; the cause of death is being kept private.

The service began with the "Fireman's Prayer" and a brief reading of scripture; Father Brad Noonan, chaplain for the CSFD, told an audience of 1,200 that the prayer symbolizes how first responders "have a calling" to their jobs.

"And if, according to Your will, I have to lose my life," Noonan said as he recited the prayer, "Bless with Your protecting hand, my loving family and my wife."

Noonen asked Bobby's wife and family, sitting on the front row below him, to take comfort in his death by holding on to their fond memories of him.

Mayor Yemi Mobolade and Fire Chief Randy Royal then reflected on Bobby's life, legacy, and career.

Mayor Yemi Mobolade remarked that everyone was there to remember the brave life lived and to mourn not only a great firefighter but a beloved family member and friend; he also encouraged people in attendance to carry forward Bobby's legacy and then read a part of scripture.

"You see the heavens rejoice as a son has been welcomed home," the mayor said.

Royal shared more about Bobby and his career at the CSFD -- remarking that Bobby's file was a thick one, filled with "good stuff."

Royal detailed Bobby's career with the CSFD, including several awards and certificates he received; several came from situations of not responding to alarms but rather highlighted Bobby's willingness to help train other departments, teach students, and even help stranded motorists.

"During the Micah Flick funeral in 2018 (fallen El Paso County deputy), two officers from Laramie, Wyoming, pulled up to Bobby's station," Royal recalled. "They had ice, dirt and mud all over their vehicles. They wanted to know where the closest car was was. So what did Bobby do? He told them to sit down and have a cup of coffee. He had the vehicles pulled into the station, cleaned up and polished up. Those little things are what service is about."

Royal remarked that Bobby was the kind of guy who was always willing to serve whenever he could. and that he impacted everyone in the department and was a mentor to all -- including the new class of cadets.

Royal continued by talking about Bobby's heart, mentioning that Bobby's father, Larry, was also a driver for CSFD and the pair worked together for a decade.

"Bobby had the reputation for being one of the nicest guys on the job," the chief said. "Bobby's crew described him as a family man, a good friend, and old-fashioned in that when he spoke, others wanted to listen.

Royal shared on behalf of the family that they are thankful for all the support received in the past days not only locally but also from fire stations across the county.

"He was a man among men. A firefighter among firefighters, that was Bobby," Royal said.

Among the honors for Bobby were a procession that started from downtown and ended at the church; bagpipes playing before and after the funeral, a video and musical retrospective of his life, and a solemn "Last Call" ceremony.

Bobby's name will be added to the walls of the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial in Colorado Springs, when than annual ceremony is held next September.