From Spanish Fork to California, Robert Ashby selflessly serves by fighting fires. When he and his wife bought a house in Spanish Fork four years ago to be closer to their kids, his commute to work was over nine hours as he was still working for the Ventura County Fire Department in California. A year ago, he cut that commute and now works as a battalion chief for Spanish Fork Fire Department. But his Ventura days aren’t entirely over. He was elected to sit on the Ventura County Employee Retirement Board to represent their firefighters — and in January, he even received special permission to head west and help fight the L.A. fires. Nothing can extinguish Robert’s passion to help his community.
Dealer’s Choice I work a schedule that requires me to work 48 hours straight and then have 96 hours off. My days off are filled with meetings relating to work. We also have fire and EMS training during the week. When I’m not at work, I enjoy time with the family, being outdoors, and a round of golf when occasion permits.
The Flop Being accepted to attend the Ventura County Fire Academy was a great surprise. I had applied for the Ventura County Fire Department for over five years.
Shuffle the Cards In the past, I donated a kidney for my wife. She has had two transplants, and her first transplanted kidney lasted 22 years. When she needed a new kidney, I decided instead of her waiting possibly for years to get another kidney, I would donate so she wouldn’t have to go on dialysis like she did the first time. From this, I learned we should never give up, even when the odds aren’t in our favor. Whenever someone needs help, especially family, you should be prepared to do what you can.
Preferred Playing Partner Rummikub with Eddie Murray. He was the first baseman for the Baltimore Orioles most of his career. I was born in Maryland and am a huge Orioles fan. I always liked the way Eddie’s demeanor was consistent regardless of the pressure situation he might encounter. I’ve tried to model my life with that type of consistency.
Wild Card I graduated from Cal State Northridge with a master’s of public administration with honors.
Tomorrow’s Bets Ski in Germany at Zugspitz Resort.