The Woodward Alumni Hall of Fame Association
Robert L. Furr, Jr. Inducted 2026 - Class of 1988
Class of 1988 graduate Robert Furr went from the halls and football fields of Woodward High School to a dedicated 30-year career in public service. He began as the first person of color to serve as an officer in the Sylvania Township Police Department, then joined the Toledo Police Department in 1993.
Robert advanced through roles such as Field Operations Officer, Vice/Narcotics Detective, Directed Patrol/SWAT Officer, Gang Task Force Officer, Field Operations Sergeant, Detective Sergeant Vice/Narcotics, and Detective Sergeant Investigative Services, retiring as a Lieutenant in 2023. Robert now serves as a Court Deputy with the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas.
He holds a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Lourdes University and a master’s in Organizational Management from Ashford University. He has completed advanced training in supervision and command from Northwestern University. A Woodward Alumni and Friends board member, Robert, and his wife, Linda, have two daughters, Kayla and Toni, a son, Sam, and a granddaughter.
Where did you attend grade school and/or junior high school? St. Vincent DePaul
In what neighborhood did you live while attending Woodward? Please describe it. Northend (Stickney/Central Area)
Who were your best friends while attending Woodward? Darryl Conley
Describe an important and/or humorous thing(s) that happened to you while you were at Woodward. When I signed my college scholarship at Livingstone College.
Who were your favorite teachers at Woodward? Why? Gary Mayesky and Robert Heider, both were great football coaches and helped bring the best out of me on the field.
Did any Woodward staff members have a profound effect on you? Who? In what way did they affect you?
Tim Ross was one of my football coaches, he taught me about working out and that translated to the football field.
Please share one of your favorite memories of Woodward. I would have to say graduation and going onto college.
Are you married? I am married to Linda
Please tell us about your family members-- children, grandchildren, etc. I have two daughters, Kayla and Toni, a son, Sam and a beautiful granddaughter.
What are your present hobbies? What do you do for fun? I enjoy working out and watching football. How did you feel when you were informed of this honor? I was very happy, surprised, and honored.
While at Woodward, did you have any nicknames? What were they? What is the story behind them? Scooby