Local crimefighter Bob Bissell – dead at 91

Robert Devere Bissell, who lived in the St. Augustine area since 1960 and was active in the community well into his 80’s, passed away this weekend at Flagler Hospital at the age of 91.

Tragically, Kathryn Bissell, his wife since February 1998, who had also been admitted to Flagler Hospital and suffering with fluid in her lungs, died only hours earlier; unable to fight off pneumonia. She was 80 years-old.

Bob Bissell was a role model to generations of law enforcement officers, including Historic City News editor Michael Gold. “In the 1970’s, Bob taught me how being a deputy sheriff gave me an opportunity to help people at the lowest points in their lives,” Gold said. “Bob was as strong as an ox — and he didn’t mind showing off the strength of his grip with an unforgiving handshake. He had been a boxer during his time in the Navy and had a powerful presence, but, to everyone who knew him, he was a gentle man with a kind and charitable heart.”

Bissell was the second Marshall, and first full-time Marshall, for the Town of St. Augustine Beach. He held the position for a year and a half after completing 20 years of service with the U.S. Navy Shore Patrol. He was a Pearl Harbor survivor.

Former St. Augustine Beach Mayor Fred Vaill, once said “Behind his back we called him Speedy Bissell; after he wrecked a patrol car in which he and a police dog were riding.” Reportedly, the vehicle landed on its roof. “But thankfully, neither Bissell nor the dog was seriously injured.”

During his career in local law enforcement, Bissell was a deputy serving four sheriffs — L.O. Davis, Dudley Garrett, Francis O’Loughlin and Neil Perry. He retired from full-time law enforcement at the rank of Captain in 1987. In 1989, Bissell returned to work as a litter control officer; a position he held for twelve more years. Then, until 2001, he worked as a volunteer with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

The Bissell’s attended Turning Point at Calvary church.

Bob Bissell’s daughter, Patricia Bissell Roberts, passed away on October 17, 2006 in Coos Bay, Oregon. She was 58 years-old. Bob Bissell had no other surviving family. Kathryn Bissell has three sons.

Photo credit: © 2010 Historic City News SJSO contributed photograph