Robert D. Franks Jr. joined the Memphis Fire Department on March 2, 1998 in Fire Recruit Class #79.

He was assigned as a firefighter to Engine 14-A.  On November 9, 2001, Chief Franks was promoted to Fire Driver and assigned to Engine-43-A.  While a Driver, Franks was also later assigned to Engine 14 and Engine 27 both on the A shift.  Chief Franks was promoted to Fire Lieutenant on January 16, 2009 and had several assignments including Fire Training, Engine 14-A, Truck 3-A, Truck 19-A and Engine 44-A.

On October 3, 2015, Chief Franks was promoted to the rank of Fire Battalion Chief. He was assigned to Battalion 11 on the B shift which included Fire Stations 27, 31, 46, 47 and 49.  On August 15, 2016, Chief Franks was selected to serve as the Battalion Chief of Safety. Franks was promoted to Fire Division Chief on January 18, 2020 and assigned to administration as the Division Chief of Administration and Safety.

On March 22, 2021, Franks was promoted to Deputy Chief of Logistics, with oversight of Logistical Services, Planning, Professional Standards, Apparatus Maintenance and Safety and Wellness.

Chief Franks holds a Master’s of Public Administration Degree in Management and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History both from the University of Memphis. He is a graduate of the National Fire Academy ‘s Executive Fire Officer Program. He is a Safety Officer for Tennessee Task Force One (TN-TF1), a member of Tennessee Fire Chief’s Association and a member of the International Fire Chief’s Association.

Chief Franks is married with one son and one daughter and is a third generation Memphis Fire Fighter. He enjoys spending time with his family and traveling.  Robert is an avid University of Memphis, Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Braves and Memphis Grizzles fan.