New York J 1806: Honoring Piermont Firefighter Thomas Pomplin posthumously upon the occasion of being the first African-American Line of Duty Death in Rockland County

Bill Text

Senate Resolution No. 1806
Senator REICHLIN-MELNICKBY:
Piermont Firefighter Thomas PomplinHONORING
posthumously upon the occasion of being the first
African-American Line of Duty Death in Rockland
County
It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey itsWHEREAS,
grateful appreciation and heartfelt regret in recognition of the loss of
a courageous and hardworking firefighter who dedicated his purposeful
life and career in faithful service to the residents of New York State;
and
It is with profound sadness and deep regret that thisWHEREAS,
Legislative Body records the tragic and untimely passing of Firefighter
Thomas Pomplin, who made the ultimate sacrifice as a member of Empire
Hose Company No. 1 in 1854; and
Born in 1826 to Mary Pomplin, Thomas Pomplin lived on SouthWHEREAS,
Piermont Avenue in the Village of Piermont, New York; and
In 1850, a sulfur match factory located on the lowerWHEREAS,
shoreline of Nyack, New York, was converted into Storm's Cedar Tub and
Pail Factory by the Storms brothers, Arthur and Henry; on Saturday, July
29, 1854, the Storms brothers decided to close the factory a bit early;
at approximately 7pm smoke and flames were discovered coming from the
south side of the main building; and
The call for fire was heard and soon members fromWHEREAS,
Orangetown and Mazzepa Fire Companies responded; as the Nyack
firefighters set up their hand drawn engines to fight the massive blaze,
it was determined that much of the entire building was enveloped in
flames; with soaring summer heat and the dry condition of the building
and its contents, the fire advanced with incredible speed; and
During this time, as Nyack firefighters directed theirWHEREAS,
efforts toward saving the brick building opposite the main Storms
structure, a man upon a horse was dispatched to Piermont for mutual aid;
while the blaze was at its height, the Empire Hose Company and
Protection Engine Company arrived from Piermont to assist in the
firefighting efforts; and
In the 1800s, Piermont firefighters pulled and pushed theirWHEREAS,
engines with manpower, covering the three-mile distance to the scene of
the fire in just 50 minutes; their equipment and manpower helped prevent
the further spread of fire to other buildings; and
On that warm July summer evening, 28-year-old ThomasWHEREAS,
Pomplin, a member of the Empire Hose Company No. 1 of the Piermont Fire
Department, responded to the Storm's Cedar and Pail Factory to fight
this major building fire side by side with his brother firemen; and

On August 5, 1854, a few days after the devastating blaze,WHEREAS,
Firefighter Thomas Pomplin succumb to the effects of overheating and
exhaustion after selflessly and heroically putting his life on the line
for the residents of his beloved community; and
Firefighter Thomas Pomplin gave his life in service toWHEREAS,
others, but more importantly, he lived his life in service to others;
his infinite selflessness and strength will forever stand as a paradigm
and inspiration for others; and
Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense ofWHEREAS,
compassion, Firefighter Thomas Pomplin leaves behind a legacy which will
long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory
to all who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man;
he truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative Body; and
On August 5, 2022, a coalition of residents, communityWHEREAS,
leaders, and the local fire service will unveil a monument in honor of
Thomas Pomplin and recognize him as the first African-American line of
duty death in Rockland County; now, therefore, be it
That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations toRESOLVED,
honor Piermont Firefighter Thomas Pomplin posthumously upon the occasion
of being the first African-American Line of Duty Death in Rockland
County; and be it further
That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, beRESOLVED,
transmitted to the family of Firefighter Thomas Pomplin.