Bill Text: NY J01801 | 2023-2024 | General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourning the death of Robert Niemczyk Sr., Honorary Hicksville Fire Chief, devoted family man and distinguished member of his community

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2024-02-13 - ADOPTED [J01801 Detail]

Download: New_York-2023-J01801-Introduced.html

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Senate Resolution No. 1801

BY: Senator RHOADS

        MOURNING   the   death  of  Robert  Niemczyk  Sr.,
        Honorary Hicksville Fire Chief, devoted  family  man
        and distinguished member of his community

  WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through  their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable  positive
impact  on  the lives of its residents; Robert Niemczyk Sr. was one such
individual; and

  WHEREAS, It is with  profound  sorrow  and  deep  regret  that  this
Legislative  Body records the passing of Robert Niemczyk Sr., noting the
significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and

  WHEREAS, Robert Niemczyk  Sr.  of  Hicksville,  New  York,  died  on
December  17,  2023,  at the age of 73, just six weeks after celebrating
his 50 years of active service to the Hicksville Community and Volunteer
Fire Department; and

  WHEREAS,  Affectionally  known  as  Bob,  Robert  Niemczyk  Sr.  was
recently honored by the Hicksville Fire Department as the 56th member to
serve  at least 50 active years; he was the 10th member within Emergency
Company No. 5 to join the ranks; and

  WHEREAS, On March 6, 1950, Robert  Niemczyk  Sr.  was  one  of  four
children  born  to  Elizabeth  and  Joseph  Niemczyk;  he graduated from
Hicksville High School in 1969; and

  WHEREAS, After taking an  interest  in  playing  the  bugle,  Robert
Niemczyk  Sr.  became  a  member  of  the  drum corps, known then as the
Crusaders and Van Guard in Farmingdale; he later  joined  the  Sunrisers
Drum and Bugle Corp as a soprano bugler; and

  WHEREAS, Robert Niemczyk Sr. joined Hook and Ladder Company No. 6 of
the  Hicksville  Fire  Department on September 4, 1973, and proudly wore
Badge No. 895; during his illustrious tenure, Bob  was  a  chauffeur  on
936, a 1962 Mack C85 foot aerial ladder; and

  WHEREAS,  Professionally,  Robert Niemczyk Sr. worked for many years
at Cerro Wire in Syosset, New York, before joining the  ranks  of  Civil
Service  with  the  Town of Hempstead, and then with the Hicksville Fire
District, where he would retire; and

  WHEREAS, In 1982, Robert Niemczyk Sr. and  the  former  Barbara  Ann
Schoppman  were  united  in  marriage  and  together  they  raised three
wonderful children, Robert Jr., Andrew, and Lizabeth-Anne; and

  WHEREAS, After serving with Hook and Ladder  Company  No.  6  for  a
decade,  Robert  Niemczyk  Sr. transferred to Emergency Company No. 5 in
June of 1983; he was recognized with an EMS Life Saving Award  in  1994;
and

  WHEREAS,  In the late 1990s, Robert Niemczyk Sr. joined the recently
organized Fire Police Squad and went on to serve as its  2nd  Lieutenant
(2000-01),  1st Lieutenant (2002-03), and Captain (2004-05); he attained
Life Active status in  1993,  and  is  a  Life  Member  of  the  Exempts
Benevolent Association; and

  WHEREAS,  Furthermore,  he  served  on  several  Company committees,
including the  Annual  Fund  Drive  Committee  and  Memorial  Day  Flags
Committee for many years; he was bestowed the rank of Honorary Chief for
his 50 years of service in 2023; and

  WHEREAS,  Robert  Niemczyk Sr. came from a family of proud volunteer
firefighters; his two sons  followed  in  his  footsteps  and  are  both
members  of  the  Hicksville  Fire  Department, Robert of Company 5, and
Andrew of Company 3; both have served as Captains; and

  WHEREAS, In addition  to  his  beloved  wife  and  children,  Robert
Niemczyk Sr. is survived by siblings, Joseph Jr. and Cindy; as well as a
legion  of  fellow  firefighters  and  friends who will long cherish his
memory; he is predeceased by a sister, Jane; and

  WHEREAS,  Throughout  his  meritorious  life,  Robert  Niemczyk  Sr.
touched  many through his kindness and commitment to service, and, as we
recall the loss of this great man, we memorialize  his  remarkable  life
and the enormous impact he had on everyone with whom he came in contact;
and

  WHEREAS,  It  is  the  sense  of this Legislative Body to convey its
grateful  appreciation  and  heartfelt  regret  in  recognition   of   a
courageous  firefighter  who dedicated his purposeful life and career in
faithful service to his family and community; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
mourn  the  death  of  Robert  Niemczyk  Sr., and to express its deepest
condolences to his family; and be it further

  RESOLVED, That a copy of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be
transmitted to the family of Robert Niemczyk Sr.