Floyd “Brent” Chomyszak

Sergeant F. Brent Chomyszak died on August 23, 2022, from cancer stemming from his deployment to Ground Zero, as a 9/11 First Responder with the New York State Police.

Chomyszak was born and raised in Norwich, New York. He and his family enjoyed being members of the National Ski Patrol at Labrador Mountain, boating, hunting and fishing. He graduated from Norwich High School and earned a bachelor of Political Science degree from SUNY Oneonta.

Sergeant Chomyszak entered the New York State Police Academy March 30, 1987. He retired May 30, 2011, after 24+ years of honorable and faithful service. During his career with the New York State Troopers, Sergeant Chomyszak was selected for several special assignments including the Governor’s Protective Services Unit, Marine Patrol, and New York State Supervisor in charge of Operation Impact (Integrated Municipal Police Anti-Crime Teams). He was a Field Training Officer, and earned Distinguished Pistol Expert. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2004 and held the position of Station Commander in 2005. Chomyszak most notably served at Ground Zero for six months following the tragic attacks on the World Trade Center. It was during this time that Chomyszak was exposed to deadly toxins, which ultimately resulted in the loss of his life. In tribute to his service and sacrifice, the Central New York Association of the Chiefs of Police presented him with their Humanitarian Award, October 2021.

Following retirement, Chomyszak was very active in his community. He was a SAMS Accredited Marine Surveyor, NRA Certified Firearms Instructor, Member of the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), Certified Scuba Diver, Nidan Black Belt in Okinawan Karate, and a Member of the Punta Gorda Elks Lodge. Chomyszak held multiple positions with the Southwest Florida Council of the Boy Scouts of America including Assistant Advisor, Assistant Scout Master, Merit Badge Counselor, and Shooting Sports Director.  He was a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 98 where he was Boat Crew Qualified, and held the positions of Flotilla Staff Officer of Operations and the Marine Safety and Environmental Protection.

Chomyszak and his wife, Tanya, were married September 11, 1993. During his cancer walk he was very grateful for his brother, John, sisters Pam and Nancy, in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins, dear friends and his New York State Police Brotherhood. Chomyszak was also very grateful to Tunnel to Towers for their support and assistance. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Tanya, their son, Daniel and daughter in law, Savanah.