On February 23, the Town of Clarkson named Brockport Fire Department Past Chief John F. Rombaut “Citizen of the Year.” Surrounded by family and friends, Rombaut was humbled to be honored in such a fashion.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence for those in service to their country and community, Town Supervisor Christa Filipowicz opened the regular session of the Town Board and immediately suspended the normal agenda to recognize Rombaut for his dedication and loyalty to the Clarkson community. Nominated for this distinction by County Legislator Jackie Smith, the award was presented to Rombaut by Clarkson Town Board member Leslie Zink.
Supervisor Filipowicz cited John Rombaut’s long history of volunteerism, mentioning his tenure with the Brockport Fire Department. He joined the Harrison Hose Co. #2 of the Brockport Fire Department in 1968, and has been Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief, Fire Chief, and Association President. He has also served the Firemen’s Exempt Association as Director, Vice President, and President, among a multitude of other titles and responsibilities to his company, his department, and the association, while continuing to serve his community.
Retired from the Eastman Kodak Company, Rombaut spends his free time volunteering in the community in a variety of ways. Seymour Library Director Jennifer Caccavale was on hand sharing remarks from her team about the hours he has spent at the library doing anything and everything asked of him. Rombaut is also a familiar face at Nativity BVM Church and at the Brockport Fire Museum, where he has volunteered his talents for both organizations as a handyman for many years.
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