DEPUTY CHIEF, JERSEY CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT ROBERT "BUTCH" COBB, RETIRED
AND
A 9/11 TRIBUTE
SEPTEMBER 11, 2015
Jen's Editing Note: The Estrella community is honored to be home to a true hero.
Deputy Chief, Jersey City Fire Department Robert "Butch" Cobb, Retired played an instrumental role on September 11, 2001. It was the day "19 militants associated with the Islamic extremist group al-Qaeda hijacked four airliners and carried out suicide attacks against targets in the United States. Two of the planes were flown into the towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, a third plane hit the Pentagon just outside Washington, D.C., and the fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. Often referred to as 9/11, the attacks resulted in extensive death and destruction, triggering major U.S. initiatives to combat terrorism and defining the presidency of George W. Bush. Over 3,000 people were killed during the attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C., including more than 400 police officers and firefighters," as remembered by History.com.
Deputy Chief, Jersey City Fire Department Robert "Butch" Cobb, Retired played an instrumental role on September 11, 2001. It was the day "19 militants associated with the Islamic extremist group al-Qaeda hijacked four airliners and carried out suicide attacks against targets in the United States. Two of the planes were flown into the towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, a third plane hit the Pentagon just outside Washington, D.C., and the fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. Often referred to as 9/11, the attacks resulted in extensive death and destruction, triggering major U.S. initiatives to combat terrorism and defining the presidency of George W. Bush. Over 3,000 people were killed during the attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C., including more than 400 police officers and firefighters," as remembered by History.com.
A special "thank you" to Lacy Alan Wetzel for recommending Butch Cobb as our September 11th feature. He is an inspiration and we thank him for his service.
For residents, at the end of this feature is information about a special service being held Sunday at the Starpointe in Butch Cobb's honor.
Q. Tell me about yourself and your family.
A. I’m retired living here in Goodyear with my wife of 40 years, Diane. We moved here permanently about 3 years ago. I retired from the Jersey City (NJ) Fire Department after 35 years. After retiring, I accepted a position with Verisk Analytics/ISO, as National Director, Community Hazard Mitigation.
Diane taught high school math for 10 years and later became the Gifted & Talented coordinator for seven schools in northern NJ. She retired after 31 years.
A. I’m retired living here in Goodyear with my wife of 40 years, Diane. We moved here permanently about 3 years ago. I retired from the Jersey City (NJ) Fire Department after 35 years. After retiring, I accepted a position with Verisk Analytics/ISO, as National Director, Community Hazard Mitigation.
Diane taught high school math for 10 years and later became the Gifted & Talented coordinator for seven schools in northern NJ. She retired after 31 years.
Q. Where are your from and how did you decide to move to Estrella?
A. We are originally from New Jersey, having lived most of our lives there. Making the decision to journey to Arizona was difficult. The primary reason was to be closer to our daughter Suzanne, son-in-law Brendan and 3 grandchildren, Torin, Elias and the newest member, Keegan. They now live just 4 houses down the block. I first became interested in the Arizona life style when the Army assigned me to FT. Huachuca in November of 1967. After several months of training at the combat surveillance and electronic warfare school I was assigned to the 225th combat aviation company, Vietnam. After a year in Vietnam I returned to FT Huachuca as an instructor until I received an early release to attend Glendale Community College in May of 1970.
A. We are originally from New Jersey, having lived most of our lives there. Making the decision to journey to Arizona was difficult. The primary reason was to be closer to our daughter Suzanne, son-in-law Brendan and 3 grandchildren, Torin, Elias and the newest member, Keegan. They now live just 4 houses down the block. I first became interested in the Arizona life style when the Army assigned me to FT. Huachuca in November of 1967. After several months of training at the combat surveillance and electronic warfare school I was assigned to the 225th combat aviation company, Vietnam. After a year in Vietnam I returned to FT Huachuca as an instructor until I received an early release to attend Glendale Community College in May of 1970.
Shortly after the north tower collapsed I was notified that one Jersey City member was missing, Joseph Lovero. BC Austin and I searched for several hours not only for our missing member but for anyone trapped in the massive piles of debris and collapsed buildings, but to no avail. Eventually I teamed up with FDNY firefighters to search void spaces under the collapse, but due to heavy fire conditions in surrounding buildings and the risk of additional collapses, we searched as long as we could but had to discontinue the search in most areas because of increasingly adverse conditions. |
Q. You were awarded the Class "A" Medal of Honor for your actions during the World Trade Center attack. Can you please tell us about that day and your role?
A. On September 11, 2001, the Jersey City Fire Department responded to a request for mutual aid to New York City just after the second plane struck the south tower. It was an attack on the World Trade Center (WTC) towers. I was assigned to the FDNY command post to coordinate additional resources. I arrived shortly after the initial Jersey City fire department units. As I made my way toward the collapse area with Battalion Chief John Austin we assisted numerous injured FDNY firefighters, officers, and civilians, bringing them back to West Street and Chambers Street, where EMS personnel were setting up a triage area. Unknown to me initially, the FDNY command post was destroyed and most of the FDNY command staff was killed when the north tower collapsed just prior to my arrival. The first few hours were very chaotic, adding to the chaos was the report that hundreds of firefighters, ems and police were missing and thousands of civilians may be trapped in the debris. Shortly after the north tower collapsed I was notified that one Jersey City member was missing, Joseph Lovero. BC Austin and I searched for several hours not only for our missing member but for anyone trapped in the massive piles of debris and collapsed buildings, but to no avail. Eventually I teamed up with FDNY firefighters to search void spaces under the collapse, but due to heavy fire conditions in surrounding buildings and the risk of additional collapses, we searched as long as we could but had to discontinue the search in most areas because of increasingly adverse conditions. After nearly 12 hours at the WTC site, I only saw one person rescued from the collapsed north tower, FDNY Captain Al Fuentes. Rescue workers from Jersey City pulled the severely injured Fuentes out of the rubble and helped him to a nearby fire boat, which was about to cross the Hudson River. Over 3,000 injured civilians, firefighters, and police were brought to the Jersey City shoreline for treatment. When I returned to Jersey City fire headquarters I was notified that our unaccounted for member, Joseph Lovero, was struck with falling debris while assisting people out of the tower lobby. He died in Saint Vincent’s hospital emergency room. His name is inscribed on the 9/11 Memorial Wall, panel #S29
Jersey City Fire Department meritorious award September 20th 2002 award read in part;
“Battalion Chief Robert Cobb performed his duties at extreme personal risk and was instrumental in rescuing and saving others from possible death.” As such, the Jersey City Fire Department awarded Battalion Chief Robert Cobb its Class “A” Medal of Honor. He also received a Heroism Proclamation from then New Jersey Governor, Jim McGreevy.
A. On September 11, 2001, the Jersey City Fire Department responded to a request for mutual aid to New York City just after the second plane struck the south tower. It was an attack on the World Trade Center (WTC) towers. I was assigned to the FDNY command post to coordinate additional resources. I arrived shortly after the initial Jersey City fire department units. As I made my way toward the collapse area with Battalion Chief John Austin we assisted numerous injured FDNY firefighters, officers, and civilians, bringing them back to West Street and Chambers Street, where EMS personnel were setting up a triage area. Unknown to me initially, the FDNY command post was destroyed and most of the FDNY command staff was killed when the north tower collapsed just prior to my arrival. The first few hours were very chaotic, adding to the chaos was the report that hundreds of firefighters, ems and police were missing and thousands of civilians may be trapped in the debris. Shortly after the north tower collapsed I was notified that one Jersey City member was missing, Joseph Lovero. BC Austin and I searched for several hours not only for our missing member but for anyone trapped in the massive piles of debris and collapsed buildings, but to no avail. Eventually I teamed up with FDNY firefighters to search void spaces under the collapse, but due to heavy fire conditions in surrounding buildings and the risk of additional collapses, we searched as long as we could but had to discontinue the search in most areas because of increasingly adverse conditions. After nearly 12 hours at the WTC site, I only saw one person rescued from the collapsed north tower, FDNY Captain Al Fuentes. Rescue workers from Jersey City pulled the severely injured Fuentes out of the rubble and helped him to a nearby fire boat, which was about to cross the Hudson River. Over 3,000 injured civilians, firefighters, and police were brought to the Jersey City shoreline for treatment. When I returned to Jersey City fire headquarters I was notified that our unaccounted for member, Joseph Lovero, was struck with falling debris while assisting people out of the tower lobby. He died in Saint Vincent’s hospital emergency room. His name is inscribed on the 9/11 Memorial Wall, panel #S29
Jersey City Fire Department meritorious award September 20th 2002 award read in part;
“Battalion Chief Robert Cobb performed his duties at extreme personal risk and was instrumental in rescuing and saving others from possible death.” As such, the Jersey City Fire Department awarded Battalion Chief Robert Cobb its Class “A” Medal of Honor. He also received a Heroism Proclamation from then New Jersey Governor, Jim McGreevy.
Battalion Chief Robert Cobb performed his duties at extreme personal risk and was instrumental in rescuing and saving others from possible death. ~Jersey City Fire Department meritorious award September 20th 2002
Q. Does September 11th hold a special meaning for you? How so?
A. Yes and always will. After serving in Vietnam 68-69 I thought I had witnessed as much human carnage as I would ever see in my life time. The brief 12 hours I spent in and around just one area of the WTC attack far exceeded anything I witnessed in Vietnam. The devastation to human beings at the WTC was beyond comprehension. “Never forget means never forget.”
A. Yes and always will. After serving in Vietnam 68-69 I thought I had witnessed as much human carnage as I would ever see in my life time. The brief 12 hours I spent in and around just one area of the WTC attack far exceeded anything I witnessed in Vietnam. The devastation to human beings at the WTC was beyond comprehension. “Never forget means never forget.”
Q. What positions have you held since 9/11?
A. I was promoted to Deputy Chief a few years after 9/11 and then appointed to chief of operations. I also held the position of Deputy Coordinator of Jersey City Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. After retiring from the fire department I accepted a position with Verisk/ISO, as National Director, community hazard mitigation, directing ISO’s public fire protection information gathering and analysis process. I retired from this position with Verisk/ISO last year.
A. I was promoted to Deputy Chief a few years after 9/11 and then appointed to chief of operations. I also held the position of Deputy Coordinator of Jersey City Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. After retiring from the fire department I accepted a position with Verisk/ISO, as National Director, community hazard mitigation, directing ISO’s public fire protection information gathering and analysis process. I retired from this position with Verisk/ISO last year.
Q. What has been your most enjoyable job and why?
A. Most enjoyable job was that as a firefighter. Having worked in a large city not a day went by when we didn’t have a positive effect on someone’s life and in many circumstances saving someone’s life.
A. Most enjoyable job was that as a firefighter. Having worked in a large city not a day went by when we didn’t have a positive effect on someone’s life and in many circumstances saving someone’s life.
Q. Tell me about your interests... What do you like to do?
A. My primary interest is my 3 grandsons. I also enjoy off-roading with my jeep, golf, riding my Harley, playing my bagpipes, photographing desert landscapes, and traveling with my wife. Q. What is one thing you'd like to see in Estrella over the next 10 years?
A. I would like to see diligent control of the quality and extent of the development in Estrella Mountain Ranch. A nice restaurant would be a welcome addition. |
A TRIBUTE: SEPTEMBER 13, 2015 AT THE STARPOINTE RESIDENTS CLUB
Join the #EstrellaMotorcycleRidingGroup Sunday, Sept 13th at 11:00am in the Starpointe Residents Club.
In remembrance of 9/11, we will have a special presentation by our featured speaker, Deputy Chief (Ret) Robert “Butch” Cobb
Chief Cobb retired after 35 years with the Jersey City (NJ) FD; during his tenure he held the positions of Chief of Training, Chief of Operations, Citywide Tour Commander and Deputy Coordinator, Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. After retiring, Chief Cobb accepted a position with Verisk Analytics/ISO, as National Director, Community Hazard Mitigation,directing ISO’s public fire protection information gathering and analysis process. Butch retired from his position with Verisk/ISO last year.
On September 19, 2002 the Jersey City Fire Department awarded Battalion Chief Robert Cobb its Class “A” Medal of Honor for his actions during the WTC attack . He also received a Heroism Citation from then New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevy.
We honor all of the EMERGENCY SERVICE WORKERS, FIREFIGHTERS, POLICE, EMS and THOUSANDS OF CIVILIANS who lost their lives on 9/11/01.
The city of Jersey City is located a short 3.7 miles from lower Manhattan and the WTC site, less than 10 minutes by vehicle.
On September 11, 2001, at 0915 hours the Jersey City (NJ) Fire Department responded to a request for mutual aid at Box 001 (Manhattan). It was an attack on the World Trade Center (WTC) towers. The department dispatched a specialized truck, Mask Service Unit, to assist in refiling air cylinders at the scene. Battalion Chief (BC) Cobb was assigned and responded to the WTC incident; he arrived shortly after the initial fire department units.
This presentation follows members of the Jersey City Fire Department as they are dispatched to assist the FDNY & Port Authority PD just 10 minutes after the second tower was struck. This is a street level view of Jersey City Fire Department search & rescue operations at the WTC site.
Also a unique look at rescue operations inside the PATH tunnel and Jersey City Exchange Place subway station, connecting to the Manhattan WTC station. During the WTC attack nearly 4,000 victims, civilians, police and firefighters were transported via boats to the Jersey City water front for medical assistance. The program will review that enormous undertaking.
All family, friends, and neighbors are welcome. Due to the sensitive and graphic nature of this presentation, children are not recommended.
http://emrgroup.wix.com/emrg
In remembrance of 9/11, we will have a special presentation by our featured speaker, Deputy Chief (Ret) Robert “Butch” Cobb
Chief Cobb retired after 35 years with the Jersey City (NJ) FD; during his tenure he held the positions of Chief of Training, Chief of Operations, Citywide Tour Commander and Deputy Coordinator, Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. After retiring, Chief Cobb accepted a position with Verisk Analytics/ISO, as National Director, Community Hazard Mitigation,directing ISO’s public fire protection information gathering and analysis process. Butch retired from his position with Verisk/ISO last year.
On September 19, 2002 the Jersey City Fire Department awarded Battalion Chief Robert Cobb its Class “A” Medal of Honor for his actions during the WTC attack . He also received a Heroism Citation from then New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevy.
We honor all of the EMERGENCY SERVICE WORKERS, FIREFIGHTERS, POLICE, EMS and THOUSANDS OF CIVILIANS who lost their lives on 9/11/01.
The city of Jersey City is located a short 3.7 miles from lower Manhattan and the WTC site, less than 10 minutes by vehicle.
On September 11, 2001, at 0915 hours the Jersey City (NJ) Fire Department responded to a request for mutual aid at Box 001 (Manhattan). It was an attack on the World Trade Center (WTC) towers. The department dispatched a specialized truck, Mask Service Unit, to assist in refiling air cylinders at the scene. Battalion Chief (BC) Cobb was assigned and responded to the WTC incident; he arrived shortly after the initial fire department units.
This presentation follows members of the Jersey City Fire Department as they are dispatched to assist the FDNY & Port Authority PD just 10 minutes after the second tower was struck. This is a street level view of Jersey City Fire Department search & rescue operations at the WTC site.
Also a unique look at rescue operations inside the PATH tunnel and Jersey City Exchange Place subway station, connecting to the Manhattan WTC station. During the WTC attack nearly 4,000 victims, civilians, police and firefighters were transported via boats to the Jersey City water front for medical assistance. The program will review that enormous undertaking.
All family, friends, and neighbors are welcome. Due to the sensitive and graphic nature of this presentation, children are not recommended.
http://emrgroup.wix.com/emrg