Chief Robert L. Knight began volunteering as a firefighter soon after graduating from Texas A&M University in 1988 and moved back to his hometown of Teague‚ where he worked as a railroad engineer and later a safety coordinator for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. He was a 19-year veteran of the Teague Volunteer Fire Department and had served as fire chief since 1999.

Chief Knight worked diligently to raise money for new trucks and fire equipment. He strived to train and protect the firemen so they could better serve and protect the community that he grew up in and cared so much about. He became a licensed paramedic after witnessing the aftermath of a wreck where three people were killed. He was the driving force behind the construction of the new fire station built in 2006‚ which has since been named in his honor and is now called Robert’s House. Teague VFD retired his call number‚ 900. He was named Teague Citizen of the Year in 2007 for his hard work and dedication to the fire department and to the community.

Robert was a loving husband to Teri‚ and a caring and devoted daddy to Trent‚ Layla‚ and Laura. He loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed going to their land outside of town where the kids could run with their dog‚ Scout‚ and take tractor and four-wheeler rides with their Daddy. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing with his son. He took his two daughters to The Grille for breakfast every Saturday morning. He loved to just turn music on and watch his daughters laugh and dance around. He lived life to the fullest and loved to joke around and make people laugh.

On July 5‚ 2008‚ Robert responded to two grass fires earlier in the day‚ but it was the third call that was his final call. He responded to a structure fire at a local business downtown‚ and minutes later the front brick wall of the building suddenly collapsed on top of him. He sustained mortal injuries and was flown by medical helicopter to an area hospital‚ where he died just a few short hours later.

Robert is survived by his wife‚ Teri; son‚ Trent; daughters‚ Layla and Laura; and a brother‚ Lloyd. He was preceded in death by his parents‚ Pete and Ruth Knight.

Robert died a hero‚ doing what he loved best„helping others. He lived with a purpose‚ playfulness‚ and a smile that will never be forgotten. His family‚ friends‚ and fellow firefighters miss him greatly. We will carry him in our hearts forever.