NEW ROCHELLE, NY (January 5, 2026) — The New Rochelle Fire Department joined colleagues and community members Saturday in a service honoring Captain Curtis Taylor, described as an outstanding fire officer, mentor and true gentleman.
“The Department was proud to take part in Saturday’s service for Captain Curtis Taylor,” the New Rochelle Fire Department posted. “Curt was an outstanding Fire Officer, a mentor, and a true gentleman. May he rest in peace.”
Curtis L. Taylor Jr., born in Martinsville, VA in 1956, was a graduate of New Rochelle High School and Blackburn University. He served 25 years with the New Rochelle Fire Department, rising to Fire Captain in 2000.
In 2008, he became Fire Chief of the Village of Pelham, NY. Taylor made history as the first Black Fire Captain in New Rochelle and the first Black Fire Chief in Pelham.
He was remembered as a devoted husband, father of two, educator and entrepreneur whose legacy will continue to inspire.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.
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