Robert J. Conklin III

It is with deep sadness that Penn Tactical Solutions honors the life and service of our beloved instructor and friend, Robert J. Conklin III, who passed away on August 12, 2024, after a courageous battle with leukemia - an occupational cancer directly linked to his years of service as a federal firefighter and his exposure to PFAS-contaminated firefighting foam.

Rob brought more than 15 years of professional experience in emergency management, emergency response, and healthcare to everything he did. He held an MBA in Public Administration with a 4.0 GPA from Columbia Southern University and had dedicated his career to building the systems, programs, and people that make emergency response work at every level - from individual paramedics to enterprise-wide USAF EMS protocols serving hundreds of thousands of personnel. He was a recipient of the Department of Defense Civilian Firefighter of the Year, the Air Force Civilian Firefighter of the Year, the State of New Jersey Outstanding Paramedic of the Year, and the U.S. Navy Life Saving Award, among many others.

At Penn Tactical Solutions, Rob was our standard-setter and one of our strongest clinical experts. His depth of knowledge across emergency medicine, trauma care, and prehospital protocols was exceptional - the kind of expertise that only comes from years of active field work at the highest levels. His delivery was engaging, his investment in every student was genuine, and his ability to translate complex clinical concepts into practical, applicable skills defined what PTS training is meant to be. He was not just an instructor. He was the kind of person who made everyone around him better.

Above all else, Rob loved Christopher Noble. That bond was known to everyone who worked alongside him - Christopher was not just Rob's husband, he was the center of Rob's world, and he quickly became a cherished member of our extended family. Rob and Christopher were married in 2020 at Walt Disney World, a place Rob held close to his heart throughout his life. His love for Disney was genuine and joyful - the kind of enthusiasm that said something true about who he was as a person. He also had a deep love for Legos, finding in them the same pleasure he found in everything he cared about - patience, creativity, and building something worth being proud of.

He is survived by his husband, Christopher Noble, and by the countless students, colleagues, and friends whose lives he shaped through his service, his teaching, and his friendship. We ask that you keep Christopher, as well as Rob's family, friends, and colleagues in your thoughts.

Rob's excellence in service was recognized at every level of his career. Among his many honors:

Department of Defense Civilian Firefighter of the Year (2018)

Air Force Fire and Emergency Services Civilian Firefighter of the Year (2018)

Air Mobility Command Civilian of the Year and Civilian Firefighter of the Year (2018)

18th Air Force Category I Civilian of the Year (2018)

State of New Jersey Outstanding Paramedic of the Year (2018)

U.S. Navy Life Saving Award (March 2015)

87th AMW and 87th CEG Category I Civilian of the Quarter (2021-Q3 and 2018-Q3)