Fire Fighters, Family and Friends Say Goodbye to Vincent J. Bollon

April 4, 2011 - With a perfect blend of fire fighter and Catholic traditions, IAFF General Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus Vincent J. Bollon was laid to rest at Saint Raymond’s Cemetery in the Bronx, New York.

Hundreds of IAFF leaders and members gathered as a procession lead by FDNY’s Emerald Society Pipes and Drums and FDNY’s Engine 343 escorted Bollon and his family to Saints Philip and James Catholic Church in St. James, New York. His Mass of Christian Burial included the scripture readings by Bollon’s daughters, Suzanne and Chrysee Bollon.

In his words of remembrance, IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger said that Bollon’s contributions were plentiful and profound. “How do you describe the 50 years of service that Vinnie gave in just a few phrases? How do you define this man in the short time we have this morning?” Schaitberger asked.

“You just can’t because of the profound mark he made in so many, many ways far exceeds the ability to give fair reflection and appreciation.”

Of Bollon’s career as a New York City fire fighter, Schaitberger said he had a “brave, commanding and yet calming presence fighting thousands of fires in the South Bronx and Harlem” which “earned him continued respect and recognition from his peers.  Members of both his fire houses may not have known Bollon personally, but they knew his history and reputation.  They honored him by standing in honor during his wake and they carried him to his final resting place.  Four Bronx fire companies, including Ladder 31 and Engine 82, stood in salute next to their rigs at the gates of cemetery, surrounding a lone helmet, turnout coat and boots.  

Bollon joined the FDNY in 1959, fulfilling his ambition to be a New York City fire fighter. During his fire fighting career he served in the busiest fire station in the Bronx and as a fire officer in the busiest fire station in Harlem. For his heroic demonstration of courage without regard for his own live, Bollon was awarded the FDNY’s Thomas F. Crimmins medal and the Albert S. Johnston medal after saving civilian lives.  In addition, on nine separate occasions, he was presented meritorious service citations from his department.

But, he was destined to be a union leader. “His union journey was just as -- and by most accounts -- even more successful than his fire service career, becoming nothing less than a legendary labor leader in the city of New York,” said Schaitberger.

He continued, “Our entire International union was blessed by his extraordinary leadership as our General Secretary-Treasurer for 21 years, the second longest serving principal officer in our union’s 93-year history. His impact on our lives, his influence on our profession and on our union will never be forgotten.”

Bollon was first elected to union office in 1975 as the Financial Recording Secretary for Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA) Local 94. After his promotion to Lieutenant in 1977, he continued his union service to Uniformed Fire Officers Association (UFOA) Local 854 and was first elected to the Local 854 Executive Board in 1978 and served as the President of Local 854 for eight years.

In 1988, Bollon was elected IAFF General Secretary-Treasurer, a position he maintained until his retirement in January 2010. He will be remembered for keeping the union financially stable while looking for outside financial resources so that the membership did not have to foot the bill for all union expenses such as building renovations.

Bollon died at the age of 77 in his home in Fairfax County, Virginia. He leaves his wife, Linda; his children Janice and her husband Ron Roveto, Suzanne Bollon, Chrysee Bollon, and Kathleen and her husband Walter Scott; and his grandchildren Jennifer, Steven, Matthew, Nicholas, Caitlin, and Brianne.