Robert was a dedicated Battalion Chief and Peace Officer with 24 years of service to CAL FIRE. He held many assignments over the years, including the Law Enforcement/Fire Prevention Program, the Aviation Program and seven years on an incident command team. Chief Van Wormer was known for his strong leadership and fire operation skills, and his ability to work with people. He was a man of great integrity and a valued mentor. His trademark sense of humor is one of the things his loved ones will miss the most. Robert died in 2012 from job-related heart complications.