Episode 162 with Thomas Watkins, a Greenport Native and Former Fire Chief

Today I’m joined by Thomas Watkins, a Greenport native and former fire chief whose life has been dedicated to service and community. Thomas spent decades in the Greenport Fire Department, rising through the ranks to become the village’s first Black fire chief. He also devoted much of his career to working in nursing, always with a focus on helping others.In our conversation, Thomas reflects on his family’s journey from Virginia to Greenport, the values his parents instilled in him, and what it was like growing up in the village. He shares memories from his school years, what drew him to public service, the lessons he carried from his mother, and the moments he’s most proud of from his years in emergency response. We also talk about the spirit of Greenport, how it’s changed, and what his hopes are for the future of the North Fork.