USW Cares: 2018 District 8 Jefferson Award Winner, Robert Stoots

District 8 Top Volunteer Profile

USW Jefferson Award Winner: Robert Stoots

Local Union: 8495

Location: Parrott, VA

Service Work: Robert is President of USW Local 8-495 and has been since 2009. Before he was president, he was vice-president for 2 years and handled grievances and contracts for 8 years. Robert has been a member of the Twin Community Volunteer Fire Department since 1975 and has held every office within the Department, including Fire Chief, his current position. He was President of the Pulaski County Fire Protection Committee and ran for political office in 2015 (Pulaski County Board of Supervisors on the Democratic ticket). He’s knocked 2,340 doors as a USW political casual in an effort to unseat a three-time Republican incumbent to elect Democrat Chris Hurst. He was Head Coach of Little League sports from 1991 to 2001 (tee Ball, baseball, and football) and worked on fundraising projects for the County High School Sports from 2000-2005 as part of the Pulaski County Touchdown Club.

Hours: 40+ years, countless hours

Community Impact: As a result of Chief Stoots fundraising, leadership, and guidance, the Twin Community Volunteer Fire Department was able to remodel, expand and modernize its fire house and equipment. He’s responded to thousands of emergencies over 40+ years of service and works an incredibly dangerous job manufacturing propellants and explosives in support of U.S. military field artillery, air defense, tank, missile, aircraft and Navy weapons systems.

Outstanding Quality: Robbie has a heart of gold; he has risked his life to help others and made many sacrifices to better his community and the country.

Prize money donated to: Pulaski High School – Atheltic Department