Robert Callahan was born in Albany, New York on March 21, 1960. He was later adopted by Robert J. and Mary Callahan. He grew up in Albany, New York and attended Lyndon State College in Lyndonville, Vermont graduating with a Bachelor's of Science in Recreation Management. He die on November 12, 2021 after a long battle with cancer.
He began his fire service career as a volunteer with the Lyndon State College Fire Department, where he would serve as Captain and later as Fire Chief. He continued on in the fire service with several departments in New York, Massachusetts and Vermont. He completed his service prior to his death with Bossier Parish Fire District 1 as the Fire Prevention Office and Training Office for Webster Fire Districts 3 and 7. He was also a volunteer with the Haughton Fire Department.
He was also an Adjunct Instructor with the LSU Fire and Training Institute and a Contract Instructor with the National Fire Academy. He spent several years as a full-time and part-time employee of Balentine Ambulance.
In his youth he was a spelunker and hiker, having climbed most of the peaks over 4,000 feet in New York's Adirondack Mountains as well as many in Vermont and New Hampshire. He as was avid snow skier, including time spent serving with the National Ski Patrol, as well as a dedicate golfer. He spent many hours with his Dad on the slopes and on the golf course. Over the last few years, he became heavily involved with the Kairos Prison Ministry at David Wade Correctional Center.
He loved watching baseball and was a dedicated Yankees fan, recently fulfilling a life-long dream of attending a Yankees-Red Sox series at Fenway Park. He loved studying military armor, collecting fire department memorabilia, writing for Fire Engineering magazine, and time with his wife. He also loved working in his garden growing tomatoes, squash and peppers, and spending time with his dogs, Buddy and Tater.
He has been preceded in death by his father, Robert J. Callahan; mother, Mary Callahan; and grandparents. He leaves behind his sister, Maureen Callahan of Halfmoon, NY; his wife Dixie Beauregard Callahan; his children, Nicole Callahan, Alexandra Callahan, Alexander Callahan and Hunter Callahan; and his step children Holly Brown and Jennifer Brown; as well as grandchildren and great grandchildren.
The family would like to thank all of the friends, church brothers and sisters and the many, many fire and emergency services members, both current and past, for their love, prayers and support during this long battle.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that you please donate to the Firefighters Cancer Support Network, St. Jude Catholic Church or Cross Point Baptist Church.
