Dozens of firefighters and local residents attended the funeral of former East Rockaway Fire Department Chief Gene Torborg on Tuesday.
Torborg died on Dec. 6 at age 63. He was a proud member of the ERFD, having served the community for 45 years, serving as chief from 1995-96. During his time with the department, Torborg served with many members of his family, including his four children. His son, Gene Jr., served as fire chief from 2016-17.
In addition to serving in the ERFD, Torborg joined his family’s East Rockaway-based auto repair business after high school and operated it until he retired in 2014. During his career there, he worked with his father, Eugene, his brother, Douglas, who was a former captain of the ERFD, and his son Gene, as well as many other family members and friends.
In a joint statement announcing his death, the chiefs of the ERFD and members of Vigilant Engine Company No. 1 described Torborg as “a pillar of the East Rockaway community.”