Special Dedication Event to Follow Dutchess County Volunteer Fireman’s Association’s Annual Memorial Event this Sunday
60 Year Fire Service Member and Instructor to be Honored

Poughkeepsie...The Dutchess County Volunteer Fireman’s Association will host its 18th Annual Memorial Service on Sunday, October 5th at 12pm at the Dutchess County Emergency Response Center located at 392 Creek Road in the Town of Hyde Park. The annual service recognizes departed members of Dutchess County fire departments or EMS agencies who have passed away in the past year. Approximately 100 firefighters and EMS providers’ names will be read at this year’s memorial event.

The memorial service is coordinated with support of the Dutchess County Fire Chiefs Council and the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response. Fire and EMS agencies throughout Dutchess County will be present to show their respects to their departed colleagues.

Immediately following the memorial service, there will be a special dedication ceremony honoring longtime fire instructor Thomas J. O’Gorman. Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro will dedicate the Emergency Response Center’s training auditorium in honor of Mr. O’Gorman, who has spent 60 years in the fire service in Dutchess County including nearly 40 years as a New York State Fire Instructor and the Dutchess County Fire Training Coordinator.

Thomas O’Gorman first joined the fire service in 1954 as a member of the Protection Engine Company in the Village of Fishkill. He later served with the Rhinebeck Fire Department in a variety of positions including Fire Chief and Company President. In 1965, he joined the Arlington Fire Department. At Arlington, he served as Fire Chief for eight years and also served two terms as Fire Commissioner and now serves as a Life member. He is also an honorary member of Hughsonville Fire Department.

Mr. O’Gorman is best known for his role as Fire Instructor. He became a New York State Fire Instructor in 1976 and also served as NYS Instructor Adjunct Lecturer. He was involved with course development for the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control. Tom O’Gorman has also been instrumental in leading the fire training efforts in Dutchess County, serving Dutchess County Fire Training Coordinator from 2001-2006. It is estimated thousands of Dutchess County firefighters have taken courses on fire attack, fire pump operations, ladder operations and much more taught by Mr. O’Gorman.

County Executive Molinaro, “We are grateful for the dedicated and brave service of all of our Dutchess County firefighters and EMS responders. The annual memorial service is a time to reflect and honor those who have passed away and remember the service they gave to our community. We look forward to celebrating the work of Tom O’Gorman whose 60 years of service and teaching demonstrate the level of excellence that Dutchess County firefights strive for each and every day.”