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.
