"Me"morial Day: Rumson Councilwoman insults firemen at public event, slammed by family of fallen
"Me"morial Day: Rumson Councilwoman insults firemen at public event, slammed by family of fallen
Councilwoman Sarah Pomphrey blurred the lines between personal politics and solemn observance on Memorial Day.
RUMSON- Councilwoman Sarah Pomphrey took aim at the Rumson Fire Company during a Memorial Day event held to honor volunteer firefighters who have died in the past year.
Speaking to residents, Pomphrey criticized the firehouse and its volunteers, stating: “it’s nice to be here in front of all of you, even though we were denied speaking here as candidates.”
Pomphrey was referencing her re-election campaign and her running mate, Council President John Conklin, who are in a heated campaign against political newcomers Stephanie Hoitt and Peter Izzo.
“The Oceanic Firehouse let us come, but you did not,” she added before beginning the event’s program.
The comments clearly disturbed the audience, made up of residents and families of the fallen, with one woman clenching her fist in frustration. One man leaned into another next to him, asking “did she really just say that?” Councilwoman Linda Smith, Mayor Joe Hemphill, and running-mate John Conklin also looked disturbed by the comments.
When it came to the family of the late William McSorley, who passed in April of this year, Pomphrey’s remarks crossed the line. Patrick McSorley, a firefighter and son of William, sent a scathing letter to Councilwoman Pomphrey slamming her remarks in an email obtained by Central Jersey Newswire:
Ms. Pomphrey
I'm not exactly sure how to approach this email with the amount of detest and anger that I have for you right now. Memorial services are not to air dirty laundry, but to reflect on the men and women that have served the borough and are sadly no longer with us. My entire family was in attendance to remember my father, William, who served with great respect, diligence, and fortitude to your borough for just over 51 years.
Ms. Pomphrey you made a mockery out of what should have been a somber occasion for our family and his brothers and sisters of the FD to remember him. Your shenanigans tarnished what should have been a day filled with memories of a better time gone by when my father was a willing and able participant of these services for his brothers and sisters.
Ms. Pomphrey, I would hope, as you reflect on your words today, that you would please think a bit more before you speak in such a public setting.
With complete and utter disgust,
Patrick W. McSorley
Neither Pomphrey, Conklin, or Mayor Hemphill could be reached for comment. Fire Chief Rob Eyerkuss declined to comment on the incident.
___________________________________________________
Want more CJN? Make sure to follow us social media platforms. If you’re interested in joining the team, have questions about advertising, or want to send hate mail, please message us at press@centralnjwire.com.