Conroy Is Interim Commander

John Conroy

Vice Commander John Conroy has taken over as interim flotilla commander since the passing of Flotilla Commander Mark Kimber on May 31. “We are all heartbroken from this loss,” Conroy said. “He fought a courageous fight and was optimistic throughout his ordeal.”

Kimber, of Williamstown, had been an Auxiliarist since 2011. He has served as a boat crewmember as well as in several staff positions, including vice commander and operations officer. Prior to transferring to Sylvan Beach Flotilla, Kimber served as a staff officer with Brewerton Flotilla 2-14.

 

Conroy, from Cazenovia, holds certifications as a Coxswain, Instructor, Personal Watercraft Operator, and Vessel Examiner. An Auxiliarist since 2002, Conroy has served in training and operations roles. He is a past flotilla commander and past division commander.

He joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary after attending a 13-week Boat Skills and Seamanship course and being invited to sign up by Past District Commodore Tom Briggs, the lead instructor.

“Tom became a good friend and long-time mentor, and we spent many a pre-season together teaching Boating Safety Courses as Auxiliary Instructors,” he noted. “My real passion is being on board, so I became operationally qualified (as boat crew, coxswain and personal watercraft operator).”

Conroy started out with Brewerton Flotilla 2-14 and served four terms as its flotilla commander. Central New York Division 2 also tapped him as its operations officer to develop training workshops and on-the-water drills. Eventually he transferred to Sylvan Beach Flotilla 26.