HoehmTown Happenings: Rockland’s First African-American Fire Chief

In 1976, President Gerald Ford designated the month of February as a time “to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Originally started as a week-long observance in 1926, Black History month is now a national celebration of the tremendous achievements and contributions of African-Americans in our nation’s history.

As we celebrate Black History month here in Clarkstown, I am reminded of many of the esteemed African-American residents who have made significant contributions to our town. Today, I ask you to take a moment to join me in remembering the remarkable legacy of Charles “Charlie” Bullock, a man who touched so many lives through his service to our community. Most notably remembered for having served as Rockland’s 1st African-American Fire Chief, Charlie was a beloved, larger-than-life figure who offered a smile and a kind word to everyone he met.

Charlie was born in Piermont, raised in Central Nyack, and graduated from Tappan Zee High School in 1958, where he achieved All-County honors in both basketball and football. In 1968, Charlie became a volunteer firefighter at the Central Nyack Fire Department. This alone was a remarkable event, as prior to 1968, private fire companies in New York State were able to restrict membership along racial lines. An article in the Journal News dated April 20, 1968 details how Charlie Bullock’s testimony to the New York State Commission on Human Rights about being barred from joining the same fire company helped to lead to the legislation that ended that discrimination across all of New York State. As a result, Charlie was able to join as the first African-American member of the Central Nyack Fire Department. A decade later, on May 6, 1978, Charlie would become the first African-American Fire Chief in all of Rockland County after rising steadily through the ranks in Central Engine Company # 6. 

Charlie’s career as a first responder extended far beyond his volunteer firefighting service. He was employed for a brief stint as a Clarkstown Police Officer before leaving to become a member of the Palisades Parkway Police. That department was eventually absorbed into the New York State Police Department, where Charlie served as a Trooper. In other roles, Charlie worked for Clarkstown’s Parks and Recreation department at the Central Nyack Community Center from 1971-1975. He was one of our most popular staff members with both his colleagues and the public – a recurring theme throughout his life. After retirement, he became well known as the “Mayor” of Costco in Nanuet.  

Quite tragically, Charlie lost his life to COVID on April 20, 2020 – just weeks after both his wife, Lois, and their daughter, Chandra, also died from the virus. After his passing, a parade of police and fire department vehicles from all over Rockland County drove by Charlie’s home on South Piermont Avenue in an outpouring of support and condolences to his remaining family. In 2021, South Piermont Avenue was officially renamed as Chief Charles Bullock Way. 

Rarely in life do you come across someone as universally liked, loved, and respected as Charlie Bullock. It’s even rarer to find someone with the courage and determination that Charlie possessed. His fight to end discrimination opened the doors for many other African-Americans to serve as volunteer firefighters. Charlie wasn’t alone in his advocacy and he wasn’t alone in stepping up to serve his community, as the Journal News article referenced above states that three other African-American volunteers were being installed as elected officers in the department at the same time Charlie was being promoted to Chief. 

Charlie Bullock fought for and achieved real change in New York State. He touched countless lives through his volunteerism. We remember him fondly and thank him for all his service.