On behalf of the National Conference of Firemen & Oilers, SEIU 32BJ, President Dean Devita issues a statement regarding the untimely passing of former Secretary of State Colin Powell
“Today we mourn the loss of a truly great American. Colin Powell, a Vietnam War veteran, served under four consecutive presidents at the very top of the national security establishment, first as deputy national security adviser and then as national security adviser. The native New Yorker born to Jamaican immigrants was appointed as both the youngest and the first African American Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the senior ranking member of the U.S. armed forces and top military adviser to the president. He was also the first African American ever to hold the position of Secretary of State. Colin Powel is one of only two people to have ever earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom twice. There are not many people in history as trusted, accomplished, decorated, and renowned as Colin Powell. He will be sorely missed. “
NCFO President Dean Devita
Colin Powell, who was fully vaccinated, passed away at the age 84 of COVID-19 complications because of his compromised immunity due to multiple myeloma, a cancer of the blood cells. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family & friends during this time, as well as the many people whose lives he has influenced throughout his remarkable career.
The NCFO is an affiliate of 32BJ SEIU, the Service Employees International Union, which has 2.1 million members dedicated to raising industry standards, making life better for working families and our communities, and building a fair economy.
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