RFD welcomes first black chief

The storied Riverhead Fire Department last week swore in its first African-American chief of department, George "Gio" Woodson, also the town's highway superintendent.

"I'll do my best to serve this department in a positive way, and always try to do the right thing," the soft-spoken Mr. Woodson said Friday during a low-key ceremony held at fire headquarters on Roanoke Avenue.

The Riverhead Fire Department was established in 1836. Voting for fire chief was held Thursday night.

We caught up with Mr. Woodson after the event to discuss his own firefighting career, as well as the historical significance of the appointment.

Here's what he had to say.

Q: When you were appointed third assistant chief in 2004, it was a safe assumption that you would eventually become the chief of department. Did you ever imagine that the U.S. would name a black president before you became Riverhead's first black fire chief?

A:You always imagine, but you never know. Not at the time, I don't think so. But hey, you don't think a lot of things. But times change and people's thinking changes.

Q: Do you think that given the fire department's long history, 2009 is long overdue for the appointment of a black chief?

A: I don't think anybody's ever even tried it before, so I couldn't say it's overdue. It was just a matter of time. You treat people with respect in anything that you join, and treat them the way you want to be treated, and you will prevail.

Q: How long have you been with the department?

A: Over 20 years. I was sworn in, I think it was in 1988. I was probably about 27.

Q: Why did you want to become a firefighter?

A:Let's see. I guess after getting out of the military I was just interested in it. It caught my eyes and I decided to join to be part of the community, to do something for the community.

Q: When did you leave the military, and in which branch did you serve?

A:I left the military in 1983, Army.

Q: What are you most proud of when reflecting on your accomplishments in the fire department?

A:I'm just proud that I can help and serve the people of Riverhead, and putting in the time to do that.

Q: What are you most proud of, in reflecting on the Riverhead Fire Department as a whole?

A:I think that, as a whole, the department has people that go out and risk their lives and put in a lot of time, volunteer a lot of time. You don't get paid it. You got a special group of people who day and night, all hours, they go out and do a service that Riverhead could take pride in. And that makes you feel good.

Q: Where do you think the department could be improved?

A:There's always room for improvements, training improvements. These days everybody's working two and three jobs, so it's not the way it used to be. But we're always striving to do better as a department. We need more volunteers, but understanding the economic situation, a lot of people don't have time to devote to this. Your first year in [the department] you have schools, classes. It's a lot of training and it's a lot for people to take in at first, unless you're single. If you got a family, there's a lot of time to put in here, too. That first year is the hardest.

Q: Is there anything you would like to add?

A:I just would like to thank the members for their support in allowing me to take this prestigious position and be the chief of the department.

mwhite@timesreview.com

Photo caption: George "Gio" Woodson (left) Riverhead Fire Department's newly elected chief, waits to be sworn in Friday morning at the new fire station with (from left) Second Assistant Chief Kevin Davis, First Assistant Chief Nick Luparella III and Third Assistant Chief Dave Sparrow. Barbaraellen koch photo