Arlington Retired Firefighter Honored by Dutchess Group

Exchange Club of Southern Dutchess Awards Local Heroes

Arlington Firefighter William Tompkins, Sr, Left, poses with another recipient, Fairview Firefighter Allen Jones.

        Retired Arlington firefighter, William Tompkins, Sr. , was awarded a lifetime achievement award by the Exchange Club of Southern Dutchess on March 23rd, 2006, during a ceremony at the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel.

    In their program, they described FF Tompkins as having "given thirty years of unselfish, dedicated service, in both the fire service and to the community." "He assisted all of the firefighters he worked with in "their" time of need. He did this as a union official, union member, and at times a fatherly figure and as a big brother."

    Having been involved in numerous life saving incidents over the years, Bill was also instrumental in many community service programs, including the development of the Firefighters of Hope program, which his son, Bill Jr. , has taken over since his retirement.