Growing up living across from the Elk Grove Fire Station Robert had the excitement of seeing the rigs come and go. The firehouse was a great place to hang out especially since Roberts late father, Robert Denna Sr. a thirty-year Fire Department veteran was the Fire Chief for the Elk Grove Department. At Conant High School the LCAP program made an impact on Robert. The volunteer program required for graduation, gave him the opportunity to volunteer for Manor Care Nursing Home.  It was there Robert realized his compassion for those in need. 
In College Robert joined a service fraternity while a student at Northern Illinois University. Being involved with a service fraternity cemented his desire to choose the profession of Firefighter/Paramedic.  When we met Firefighter/Paramedic Robert he was putting in long days at the Fire Academy in Elgin. Training at the academy lasts eight weeks. Roberts brother James is also a Elk Grove Firefighter.