CBA Flag Raising Ceremony and LTC Todd J. Clark '90 Memorial Service Award Presentation

Please join us as we raise the flag for the 2026-2027 school year and honor Joe Toomey ‘79 with the 2025 LTC Todd J. Clark Memorial Service Award.

Let us know your coming! Although RSVP is not necessary we would like to know you are attending. Please click the button to complete a short form.

The ceremony will take place at the CBA flag pole at 8:30AM. Please arrive before 8:15AM as the road in front of campus will be closed for the ceremony.

About Joe Toomey ‘79

For more than three decades, Joe Toomey ’79 dedicated his life to serving and protecting the people of Albany. His 35-year career with the Albany Fire Department was defined not only by his commitment to the profession, but by a genuine desire to make his community a safer and better place.

A lifelong Albany resident, Joe joined the Albany Fire Department in 1988 and spent the next 35 years rising through the ranks before retiring as Executive Deputy Chief of the Department of Fire & Emergency Services in July 2023. Throughout his career, he served in roles encompassing emergency response, fire prevention, building safety and fire investigation, ultimately becoming one of the department’s senior leaders.

Among the accomplishments Joe considers most meaningful was his work helping to develop the Albany County Juvenile Fire Setter Program. The program sought to address fire-setting behavior among young people through intervention and education—an effort that reflected Joe’s belief that service is not simply about responding to a crisis, but about working to prevent one and helping others find a better path.

Joe’s commitment to his profession was also recognized early in his career. He received the Jack Meehan Photography Award from the New York State Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators in both 1992 and 1993 while serving with the Albany Fire Department.

Service, however, has always extended beyond Joe’s professional life. A proud member of the CBA Class of 1979, Joe has remained connected to CBA and its community throughout the years. The Toomey family’s CBA legacy runs deep with alumni spanning four generations: Joe’s grandfathers Joseph Skelly ‘22 and William Toomey Sr. ‘25, Joe’s father William Toomey ‘49, Joe’s brothers Bill Toomey ‘73, Jim Toomey ‘76, Paul Toomey ‘81 and John Toomey ‘91, and Joe’s sons Connor ‘19 and Joe ‘22 are all proud brothers. Joe and his family have continued that tradition of giving back to CBA and supporting the school that played an important role in his formation.

Outside of his work with the Albany Fire Department Joe has spent many years giving back to the Albany community in different ways. He has been a coach, coaching basketball at St Teresa of Avila and Mater Cristi as well as baseball with the National Little League, Central Babe Ruth and North Albany American Legion. He service also included being a founding member and officer of the Capital District Fire Investigators Association, Town Gown Community Committee, St Teresa of Avila Parish Council Member, Mater Christi Parish Trustee and a member of the Mater Christi Finance Committee.

The values of faith, brotherhood, leadership and service that Joe experienced as a student at CBA have been evident throughout his life. Whether protecting his hometown as a member of the Albany Fire Department, mentoring and helping young people, supporting his fellow firefighters, or remaining connected to his CBA Brothers, Joe has consistently demonstrated a commitment to living for others.

For a lifetime of service to his profession, his community and his alma mater, Christian Brothers Academy is proud to honor Joseph Toomey ‘79 with the 2026 LTC Todd J. Clark ‘90 Memorial Service Award.

About the LTC Todd J. Clark ‘90 Memorial Service Award

The LTC Todd J. Clark ‘90 Memorial Service Award is presented each year to a member of the CBA community who exemplifies the Lasallian characteristic of service to others. To nominate an individual for this award please click this link to complete our online nomination form.

The LTC Todd Clark ’90 Memorial Service Award Nomination Form