The Newburgh Advocate

City of Newburgh Fire Chief James Merritt retires today, August 30.

Chief Merritt might have been a florist.

Unlike many boys, young James Merritt did not aspire to be a firefighter when he grew up. In fact, he nearly became a florist. In high school, he worked in Merritt’s Florist Shop for his aunt and uncle, who offered to send him to business school to prepare him for possibly taking over for them when they retired.

But, before he took that route, at age 18 a friend brought him to meet the Chief of Storm King Engine Company II (Cornwall on Hudson Fire Department) about being a volunteer firefighter. Within six months Merritt knew he had found his calling. On August 30, after 25 years of service to the people of the City of Newburgh, James Merritt is retiring from the Newburgh Fire Department as Chief.

“I credit former Chief Robert Brophy and Training Officer Dennis Wood with getting me interested in the fire service, and providing me with the training to get started. I owe them both a great deal,” said Jim.

Merritt reflects on his 25 years of service:

The best and worst times of being a firefighter both revolve around our citizens. The best were when our fire crews were able to rescue people from certain death. This always involved a team effort and heroism. The worst times were when, despite our efforts, people perished. There is nothing worse than to have to tell one of our citizens that were not able to save one of their loved ones.

Merritt has witnessed many changes over the past 25 years.

“There is much more reconstruction of buildings and neighborhoods going on now. All City departments now work together in a coordinated effort, and this was not always the case. Departments, including the Fire Department are much better funded and equipped than they were.”

That’s a bit of an understatement. Merritt recalls that when he first joined the fire department, it was not uncommon for doors on the fire trucks to be secured with ropes. The compartments were rusted out, and they would sometimes fall out when the rig hit a bump. He also remembers that the starters on some of the trucks didn’t work, and someone would have to hit them with a hammer to start the truck.

“Now we have state-of-the art apparatus,” he said.

City Manager Jean-Ann McGrane said Merritt will be missed.

He was our Emergency Management Coordinator, and our Acting City Manager when needed. Most of all, he was absolutely dedicated to providing the best possible service to the people of the City of Newburgh. One example of that is his commitment to recruiting Spanish-speaking firefighters to help ensure better communication with all members of our community, especially in emergency situations.

After retiring from the department, Merritt’s next career will be in a painting franchise.