Firefighter Retires After 33 Years
Firefighter Thomas Wollack (seated, center), with members of Engine 247.
He served on the front lines in Vietnam. He responded to Sept. 11, 2001, the airplane crash in the Rockaways and delivered a baby. He was honored by a U.S. President. And he raised seven beautiful, successful children.
Yet, Firefighter Thomas Wollack never wishes to talk about himself, and any attention makes him uncomfortable. Especially the overwhelming praise showered upon the modest 33-year veteran of the FDNY as he served his last tour as a firefighter at Engine 247 on Dec. 28 - two days shy of his 65th birthday.
And after an epic career at the Brooklyn firehouse, he quietly said there was just one reason he became (and stayed) a firefighter since November 1978: "I wanted to do something that was fulfilling for me - something that would help people."
It seems his entire life was dedicated to helping others.
"He's always there for everyone else," said Capt. Joseph Cioffi, who has known him for 15 years. "He's the salt of the earth. He's very into taking care of his family, and that includes us here at the firehouse."
He added that Firefighter Wollack was adopted as a boy, inspiring him to adopt three children of his own.
Somehow, President George W. Bush found out about this in 2007, and invited Firefighter Wollack and his family to the White House for National Adoption Day. At first, the firefighter turned down the offer, but finally relented.
The President then spoke about Firefighter Wollack and his family at the ceremony, saying: "I thank you for being a loving soul . and showing our nation the true meaning of 'family.'"
The firefighter returned to the firehouse a few days later, and never mentioned it. Later, another firefighter searched Firefighter Wollack's name online, learned of the story and spread the word.
"He's so modest, he doesn't want any attention," said Firefighter Tom Viverito, who has worked with him for eight years. "He's got one of the biggest hearts. He's always doing what's right."
Firefighter Thomas Wollack boards the rig on one of his final emergency responses.
He remembered when he first started at the firehouse. He said Firefighter Wollack was always very respectful of the new firefighters, and never preached information to them.
"He never wanted you to feel like he was talking down to you," he said. But, when asked, he would share a wealth of information that helped them all grow.
Lt. Gerard Chipura said Firefighter Wollack was excellent when working as the company's chauffeur, which he's done for more than 15 years.
But, when he wasn't operating the company's apparatus, he wanted to be the nozzle firefighter - the first member into the burning building, operating the hoseline.
"This guy has moxie," Lt. Chipura said. "At 65-years-old he's the first one charging in. He was always willing to be right there in there in the front, every time."
Firefighter David Costello, who has worked closely with him for seven years, added, "He always knew what to do in a fire and he was so generous. He's going to be sorely missed."
Yet Firefighter Costello noted that Firefighter Wollack also has a great, deadpan sense of humor, listing several inside jokes, like his penchant for buying Toyotas to his love for Carmine's pizza.
As his family descended upon the firehouse, looking to join him and his fellow firefighters for a dinner following the end of his last tour, Firefighter Wollack said, "This is tough stuff. It's very hard, this job has been a big part of my life and my family's life. Tonight is bittersweet." |
