Engineer – Fire Station 108
Deceased:
April 27, 2022
Appointed:
02/10/1968
Pensioned:
06/11/2005 – FS108
Services:
PRIVATE
Donations:
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO:
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund
PO BOX 41903
Los Angeles, CA 90041
Robert “The Arm” Armstrong was a good man, unique and extremely interesting. Bob started buying baseball cards in the 1950’s and had an incredible collection, that he would occasionally bring to the station. Looking at his collection would always bring back wonderful memories of my baseball cards, that were eventually thrown in the trash because my Mother though they were useless and took up space in my bedroom. Bob also had twin 1963 Dodge Darts, that he hoped to restore one day. Like so many other firefighters, our paths went in different directions but I do hope he was able to find the time to restore those cars. RIP Bob
Bob Armstrong. Complex and loveable guy. We were in the drill tower together. His easygoing personality and wonderful sense of humor added a lovely flavor to the challenges we face daily. Though we never worked together after that, I have very fond memories of the few times we “rubbed shoulders.”
Bob was a great student of pop music. A handful of years ago we both were at the Pension Board hearing considering the reduction of the City’s reimbursement for Medicare. Bob made a very reasoned appeal during the open mike session. He capped it off with, and I paraphrase here, “In the words of Jim Croce, you don’t tug on Superman’s cape, you don’t spit into the wind and you sure don’t screw with our pension benefits.”
I am deeply saddened to learn that he is gone.
Robert and I were Engineer reliefs for a number of years and he was always interesting to talk to. Me being a lot younger and way less time as an Engineer, I remember we had a reserve engine for a while which was a 1968 Crown and inspection was around the corner so Robert was going off on four day so he painted one wheel…LOL. Bob Hoffman my Captain just smiled and said “he got ya”….Like Tom and Len mentioned he was always quick with a witty comment and sure knew his ball players. I also remember those Dodge Darts with the push button drive selection which are rare, He always joked that he looked like the character Joe Izuzu from the car commercials. Prayers and respect Robert
Robert “Arm” Armstrong was a veteran of the Coast Guard. We worked together in Battalion 9 and had lots of fun stories. He was at “old” 26s on Washington Bl, and a good department historian, I always learned from him. He lost his wife Grace some time ago and missed her every day. Hope to see you again, dear friend.
I first met Bob at old 6’s he was an Engineer there back in 1978 he was on the A shift if I recall. Bob was quite the character very opinionated. I remember he and his Mom were big Dodger fans and would often come by the station on their way to the stadium. R.I.P. Bobby!
Bob and I were in the same Training Academy class- February 10,1968. We never worked together on the job but saw each other at Greater Alarm fires occasionally. After retiring, I saw him at a fast food restaurant in Westlake Village periodically. I was usually in a hurry and had planned to take the food home or eat on the go. However, Bob would get my attention somehow and invite me to sit at his booth and visit. I always did and never regretted taking the time to visit with him. I’m going to miss those impromptu meetings…
I was really sad to see the Arm had passed away.. I was stationed at FS 59 with him for 5 years, what a guy. Rest in peace my friend,
the Arm. what a character. His two great loves; baseball & his mother. totally devoted to both.
a wonderful man. our time together was short but he left me with beautiful memories. taught me
quite a bit about baseball. he had that old Dodge Dart and refused to get a new car until…
he worked with me in the Brush Unit for a month or so and the Dept got rental cars. He
was stunned and the innovations new cars had come up with…like air conditioning.
I will miss him much.