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Cause of Death: Head trauma/ vehicle accident
End of Watch: December 31, 1917
Date of Incident: December 31, 1917
Age: 31
Rank: Lieutenant
Status: Career
Badge Number: N/A
Tour of Duty: Not available
Assignment: Engine Company #7
Final Alarm: 817 N. Palmetto
Nature of Death: In accident when Chief Bishop’s driver collided with No. 7’s Motor Truck.

While responding to a call for a house on fire, Lieutenant Kopplin was killed when his engine (Engine No. 7) collided with Fire Chief William Bishop’s car at the intersection of E. Commerce and Alamo.  Lieutenant Kopplin was riding on the rear tailboard of the engine when the accident occurred. The impact hurled the veteran firefighter over the top of the apparatus and his body struck the pavement.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.  SAFD Fire Chief William Bishop and his chauffer, Claude A. Ratterree, were also killed in this City’s worst emergency vehicle accident.  Lieutenant Kopplin's remains lie in the “Fireman’s Grave” at City Cemetery #4.

Lieutenant Robert W. Kopplin was survived by his wife, two daughters, his parents, and one sister.