Robert Polk

Robert O. "Bob" Polk, Sr., 83, died Tuesday, September 7, 2010, at Bartow Regional Medical Center of Pneumonia. Born June 6, 1927 in Brewster, FL, spending his childhood in Polk County, moving to Saint Petersburg, FL in 1950 then returning to Bartow in 1972. Mr. Polk was Bartow Fire Chief from 1972 to 1975. He was Polk County Fire Chief for several years, then serving as Polk County Fire Marshall. Before returning to Bartow, he was with the Saint Petersburg Fire Department for 20 yrs, retiring as District Chief. He was a member of the International Fire Chiefs Association & the Florida Fire Chiefs Association. He was a US Navy veteran serving in WW II. He was a member of the Bartow Lions Club & the Bartow Men's Golf Association. Mr. Polk is survived by his wife of 61 yrs: Bett Polk of Bartow; 2 sons: Bert & wife Kathryn Polk of Columbia, SC; Brad Polk of Jacksonville, FL; daughter: Jo & husband Stan Lovering of Saint Petersburg. 5 grandchildren & 4 great grandchildren. Family will receive friends Saturday, September 11, 2010 from 1:30 - 2:30 pm at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home, 650 E. Main St, Bartow. Graveside services will follow at 2:30 pm at Bartow Wildwood Cemetery.