Putnam County mourns a Hero

Putnam County is mourning the loss of one of their own heroes today after the Lake Carmel Fire department announced the passing of Past Chief and Life member Robert "Robbie" Shannon II. He was also a dispatcher for the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services for over 10 years.

In a post announcing Chief Shannon's passing on her Facebook page, County Executive Maryellen Odell said  "Chief Shannon is the true meaning of service above self. This sudden and unexpected loss will be felt far and wide across our community. Robbie will be missed by all who knew him. We ask that you keep his family, friends, the Dispatchers and the Lake Carmel Fire Department in your thoughts and prayers.

The Lake Carmel Fire Department announced his sudden passing on their Web site earlier today, "It is with the deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Chief Robert Shannon II.

Chief Shannon, a third generation Chief proudly served his community for over 30 years and worked for Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services as a 911 dispatcher for nearly 11 years. Robbie thrived on making sure our youth were educated in the Lake Carmel Fire Department Explorer Post by preparing them for the world of emergency services and by doing fire prevention at our local schools and the Ready E Fox 911 program teaching them how to get out of the house safely and the proper way to call 911 in case of an emergency. He had countless citations for saving lives both on calls with LCFD and giving lifesaving instructions over the phone at the 911 Center.

Chief Shannon assisted at the World Trade Center after 9/11 and was instrumental in donating a fire truck to Clermont Harbor FD in Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. He was truly a community driven individual.

Chief Robbie Shannon leaves behind his wife Lt Crissy Shannon of the Lake Camel FD and three children Jeremy, James and Morgan.

At this time there are no arrangements

Chief.. You will be missed. Thank you for everything you have done for us. We’ll take it from here."