Piermont, NY – In a ceremony held during Black History Month, Orangetown Supervisor Teresa Kenny presented a proclamation to Chief Daniel Goswick of the Piermont Fire Department, honoring the legacy of firefighter Thomas Pomplin. Pomplin, an African-American resident of Orangetown and a dedicated member of the Piermont Fire Department, died on August 5, 1854, while responding to a fire in Nyack.
For nearly 170 years, Pomplin’s sacrifice went unrecognized as a Line of Duty Death. However, recent research conducted by Piermont’s Empire Hose Company #1 uncovered the truth: Pomplin’s passing was a direct result of his brave response to the fire. This discovery led to the long-overdue acknowledgment of his selfless service.
The Piermont Fire Department has also taken steps to ensure Pomplin’s legacy endures. Empire Hose Company #1 built a memorial to commemorate his sacrifice, offering a permanent tribute to his bravery and dedication.