WALLINGTON, NJ - To say Mark Tomko was loved by the citizens of Wallington would be an understatement. He served his community in many positions, from mayor to volunteer fire chief. He passed away at the age of 66.

Tomko worked for the County of Bergen in several capacities, including chief clerk in the county clerk's office from 1981-2019.

Tomko joined the volunteer fire department in 1972 as a junior firefighter. The Fire Department was one of his greatest loves, and he served in many capacities throughout the years. This included being president president of Hose Co. 3 in 1978 and department president in 2020. He led firefighters as Chief of Department in 1989, a Life member of Hose Co. 3, and department chaplain from 1980 to his death.

In addition to the fire service, Tomko was a councilman for 18-years and mayor of the Borough from 2016-2019. He served with the Board of Education from 1998-2002. Not only was he fire commissioner for a number of years, but he also served as police commissioner in 1990. From 1990-1993 he was on the Bergen County Police and Fire Advisory Board.

His service and accomplishments are numerous. Additional service includes: Life Member of the New Jersey State Firemen's Association, New Jersey State Exempt Firemen's Association and N.J. & N.Y. Volunteer Firemen's Association. He was a member of the South Bergen Fire Chief's Association since 1987, serving as president in 1995-1996. In addition, he was a South Bergen Zone 2 coordinator from 1999-2012.

On July 14th, area firefighters assembled as part of the funeral procession in the borough, with services held at Hose Company 3's quarters on Park Row.

Chief Tomko was well respected and loved by many, and he will be missed by many.