Retired Fire Marshal Jerry Lynn “Red Bear” Robinson died June 5, 2022, as the result of occupational cancer. He may have been retired from his job, but retired from life HE WAS NOT.
It was Jerry’s wonderful sense of humor, his generosity and charisma, that proved to be invaluable traits for his servant heart. Jerry started out in the backbreaking business of HVAC services and came to realize that he wanted and needed something more fulfilling in his life. He needed a personal connection of being able to serve others while achieving his personal goals. Once he decided that public service would help him fulfill his purpose, he began to realize his dreams.
Chief Robinson spent his 25-year career dedicated to the City of North Little Rock Fire Department, beginning with firefighter certification and following that by becoming a paramedic. He received multiple awards and recognition during his career including Firefighter of the Year, Fire Officer of the Year, and the Achievement Award.
Jerry was considered a jack of all trades and a master of most. If he didn’t know it, he would educate himself until he knew what he needed to know to do the job well. It did not take long before this man of 6′ 2″ build and fiery red hair was dubbed “Red Bear” among his firefighter peers. Red for the hair and Bear for the actions. This “Red Bear” was kind, gentle, giving, and thoughtful. He was selfless in action and put everyone before himself.
Jerry loved to cook, fish, camp, travel the state with his wife and fur babies, and especially loved going to the ocean. He was a proud rider for the Patriot Guard Riders and committed his life to serving others in its entirety. If you had to describe Jerry in two words—simple and humble.
At the time of his death, Jerry was retired from his position as a fire marshal with North Little Rock Fire and was a volunteer firefighter with St. Vincent Fire Department.
Left to cherish his wonderful legacy are the love of his life, his wife Karen Mason Robinson; stepson, Ryan Hames; brothers, Harold (Heidi), James (Kimberly), and David (Teresa); four nieces and three nephews; and his fur babies, Ramsey, Daisy, and Ellie Mae.
I would take classes with Jerry once in a while and I was always impressed at his knowledge of so many topics making it seem that he knew a lot about a lot subjects. Impressive gentleman Jerry was. RIP sir. Thank you for your duty and service to all.
– Tim Bullard