PSAC Chairman Tom Sorley passes unexpectedly at 53
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PSAC Chairman Tom Sorley passes unexpectedly at 53
Sorley was “the logical guy” to assume leadership of the PSAC, and “he turned out to be a good leader,” McEwen said. Even after retiring, McEwen said that he spoke often with Sorley, which made news of the unexpected and sudden death even more difficult to grasp.
“I worked closely with Tom for more than 20 years, and I saw him develop,” McEwen said during an interview with IWCE’s Urgent Communications. “He was a great resource for me, having a better understanding of the engineering and the technical parts of things.
“Right up until he died, … we were in regular contact, so [Sorley’s death] was a real shock to me. I’m going to miss him dearly.”
FirstNet provided the following statement about Sorley’s passing.
“We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Tom Sorley,” according to the FirstNet statement. “Tom was a dedicated leader in public-safety communications who was committed to the first responder and the people of Houston, as well as public safety across the country. FirstNet was privileged to have him leading the FirstNet Public Safety Advisory Committee. His passion for public safety’s mission was evident in not only his years of work on the PSAC, but through numerous other organizations he participated in.
“On a personal level, Tom was a longtime friend to many here at FirstNet, and he will be deeply missed. Our condolences go out to his wife and their children at this difficult time.”
Chris Sambar, AT&T’s senior vice president for FirstNet, echoed this sentiment.
“It’s with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Tom Sorley, an incredible public-safety leader and friend,” Sambar said in a prepared statement. “Your dedication to advancing public safety technology, deep commitment to the mission and laser-focused vision were inspiring. We thank you for your tremendous service. And while we will miss you every day, we know the legacy you’ve left behind in changing the future of public safety communications will live on forever.”
Tom will be sorely (pun
Tom will be sorely (pun inended) by all of us. I considered him a friend even though we only met occasionally at shows and meetings since both of us left Florida many years ago. His knowledge and his humor will not be forgotten. I will never forget him or that hula skirt (those of you that were there will also remember that).
Marilyn pointed out Tom’s
Marilyn pointed out Tom’s humor which is what I will miss.
Wow; that is way too young. I
Wow; that is way too young. I worked on a radio project with Tom in Orlando many years ago. Tom was a very nice guy and a very active toward furthering and improving the art of Public Safety communications. My condolences to family and friends.