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.