Mourned Monroe disaster director 'impossible to replace'

Mourned Monroe disaster director 'impossible to replace'

Eric Mark and Catherine Rodriguez
Pocono Record Writers
July 06, 2006


Praise poured in Wednesday for Harry Robidoux, Monroe County's emergency services director, who died suddenly of a heart attack while driving on Route 534 in Polk Township Tuesday afternoon.

He was 61.

"In his death, we have found that he was a greater man than any of us knew. It will be impossible to replace him," said Monroe County Fire Association Chaplains Robert and Ruth Vaughan.

The "impossible to replace" sentiment was echoed by dozens of people who shared their memories of Robidoux on Wednesday. Some struggled through tears to express their respect for Robidoux and his tireless efforts to help those in need.

Robidoux, who headed the Monroe County Office of Emergency Services since 1992, was driving west on Route 534 near Kresgeville at about 4 p.m. Tuesday when his Ford Ranger ran off the road into a drainage ditch near the Lower Middle Creek Road intersection, according to state police at Lehighton.

Robidoux was flown to Lehigh Valley Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 5:12 p.m. The Lehigh County Coroner's Office ruled that Robidoux died from a heart attack of natural causes.

Robidoux, whose life seemed defined by disaster response, also chaired the eight-county Northeast PA Counter-Terrorism Task Force and served with the Tunkhannock Township Volunteer Fire Co.

Robidoux was a constant presence at the scene of fires, floods, blizzards and other disasters throughout the county, including last week's devastating flood, when Robidoux worked nearly round-the-clock.

The news of Robidoux's death hit his many friends and colleagues especially hard because it was so unexpected. Those who worked side-by-side with Robidoux during the response to the recent flood say he seemed his usual self: healthy and fit, though very busy.

Donna Asure, Monroe County commissioner, said Robidoux sounded fine when she talked to him about 11:30 a.m. Tuesday.

"He said he was going to take the day and try to relax," she said.

"He seemed to be pretty much himself," said state Rep. John Siptroth, D-189, who spent much of Sunday with Robidoux touring hard-hit areas near the Delaware River. "He may have been fatigued from this latest ordeal."

Robidoux's fellow firefighters seemed especially affected by his sudden death.

"We're going to miss him a lot," said Tunkhannock Fire Department Chief Roger Smith, his voice breaking as he recalled his longtime friend and colleague.

"He was active on lots of committees and was a real help to all of us," Smith said. "No matter what it was, Harry was there, to help and to teach. He shared his knowledge and experience with all of us."

Smith said that he and his officers will do "something special" this week in memory of Robidoux.

Bernie Harrison, chief of the Coolbaugh Township Fire Department, said that Robidoux's death is a "catastrophe."

"No one can say anything bad about him at all," Harrison said. "He loved his job and he loved people. He was very intelligent and shared his knowledge with everyone. ... He was special."

Stroud Township Fire Chief Dave Smalley said that Robidoux "dedicated his life to his work and was always looking out for the people of Monroe County."

Siptroth said he knew Robidoux for many years, since long before Robidoux started to work for Monroe County. Both men are veteran firefighters.

"We had a lot of interaction," Siptroth said. "He certainly told you like it was. He was down to earth and very knowledgeable. He made sure everyone's safety was paramount. ... His knowledge is going to be missed."

Bruce Henry, operations officer at the county safety center and Robidoux's longtime friend and deputy, said he has gotten calls from emergency service directors across Pennsylvania offering to help out and even come to Monroe County if needed.

"Harry expected a lot out of everyone, but it is the best place I ever worked," Henry said. "Harry was great to work with."

"Harry Robidoux's shoes are going to be hard to fill," said Monroe County Commissioner Robert Nothstein. "Obviously we have to go on, and we have good personnel."

"He really cared about emergency services and homeland security," said Commissioner Suzanne McCool. "He developed a lot of expertise in those areas and was well respected around the state."

Robidoux lived in Tunkhannock Township near Blakeslee with two cats.

He was born in 1945 and grew up in Reading. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1965 to 1969, during the Vietnam War.

He worked as a professional with the Boy Scouts of America for 18 years in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. e had also served as a patrol supervisor for Fernwood Public Safety Department for five years.

He was president of the Keystone Emergency Management Association, the professional organization for emergency managers in Pennsylvania.

Pocono Record Writer David Pierce contributed to this report.