Firefighter Tommy Russo retires after 25 years

He mentored generations of firefighters, showed up every day with a smile, and lived by a simple but powerful motto: ‘It costs nothing to be kind.’”

Lake Mohegan Professional Firefighters Local 2956/Facebook

Mohegan Fire Department
1975 East Main St.
Mohegan Lake, NY 10547
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LAKE MOHEGAN, N.Y. — Lake Mohegan firefighter Tommy Russo has retired after decades of service.

Russo recently completed his final tour with the Lake Mohegan Fire District, saying goodbye after nearly 25 years of service, the Lake Mohegan Professional Firefighters Local 2956, the local union chapter, said in a Facebook post.

The union said Russo’s service was defined by courage, mentorship and kindness. He responded to the Sept. 11 attacks and was honored with both the Firefighter of the Year and Captain’s Award during his time in the fire district.

“Tommy’s impact can’t be summed up in words,” the union wrote. “His legacy is built on courage, compassion and leadership.”

He began his career at the department’s headquarters, where he mentored younger firefighters and led by example. In recent years, he was assigned to Station 3 in Furnace Woods, where he was known as one of “The Woodsmen,” the union wrote.

Co-workers described Russo as someone who “showed up every day with a smile and lived by a simple but powerful motto: ‘It costs nothing to be kind.’”

The union said Russo’s retirement is “well-earned,” and many have been “proud to have served alongside” him. It added that Russo “will be sorely missed” in the firehouse but will remain a piece of the “brotherhood.”