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In Chesterton, funeral services are today for one of the founding members of Liberty Township Volunteer Fire. The department says Robert “Bob” Esserman, who passed away at age 94 in Florida where he spent the last few years of his life, was not only one of eleven charter members of Liberty Fire but also instrumental in fire service across the state. Esserman served on Liberty from the start of its inception in 1955 to 1999 and also helped form the creation of Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department in Porter County. Esserman served the highest rank of Assistant Fire Chief for some years, Inspector, Investigator, as well as an instructor. Esserman was passionate about teaching LP gas and taught at fire schools across the state and locally in Northwest Indiana, a news release said. During his time, he served many other roles in the fire service community; not only was he a founding member of the Porter County Fire Association, but he was also a member of the Indiana Volunteer Fire Association (IVFA) and District One Chairman, Secretary, and spent several years as Public Relations Director. Esserman was awarded Mr. IVFA in 1976.
