Beach Bugs Visit Millville

On January 5, 2023, the Millville VolunteerFire Company received a much-anticipated visit from the crew at Beach Bugs Pre-School Both young and old participants appeared to have a great time. The participants were treated to a tourof the fire station, ambulance, rescue truck and command vehicle. In addition, the children were introduced to our“friendly firefighter” wearing full turn-out gear and breathing apparatus. We discussed the importance of working smoke detectors and having an escape plan in the event of a fire. Deputy Chief Paul Sterling organized the event. Careerand Volunteerstaff worked togetherto make this a successful event. The MVFC would like to thank Beach Bug Pre-School forthe cookies!

- Submitted by Doug Scott

Holloway Terrace’s Richard WeaverCelebrates 50 Years Focus Multisports Generates Over$21,000 forthe Bethany Beach VolunteerFire Company

At their annual conference, the Delaware Volunteer Firefighter’s Association honored Richard F. Weaver, Jr., of the Holloway Terrace Volunteer Fire Company for 50 years of service. Rich continues to be an active firefighter and EMT, has chaired many committees and has held numerous elected offices over those 50 years. He also served as President of the New Castle County Volunteer Firefighter’s Association in 2003. The officers and members of the Holloway Terrace Fire Company and our Ladies Auxiliary would like to express our thanks to Richard F. Weaver, Jr., for his continued active service to our community! Left to right: Holloway Terrace Fire Chief, Mark Willis, Richard F. ‘Bug’Weaver, Jr., Holloway Terrace President Thomas M. ‘Mark’Gott, Jr.

- Submitted by Randy Roberts

Focus Multisports recently made a $21,448 donation on behalf of participants and sponsors of the 2022 Annual BethanyFenwick Turkey Trot to the Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company (BBVFC).

The BBVFC’s firefighters and EMS members lead a very demanding and sacrificial existence but one which they find rewarding in many ways. The BBVFC Emergency Medical Services Division is an unprecedented collaboration between the fire company and property owners within the towns of Bethany Beach, South Bethany, Fenwick Island and the Sea Colony Recreation Association. Visit bethanbeachfire.com to donate or volunteer.

On January 14, 2023 at the Millville Volunteer Fire Company Awards night, two very special awards were presented by President Gregory Hocker and past-Chief Guy Rickards.

First, the “William J. Quillen Member of the Year Award” was presented to John ‘Jack’Melson. In order to be considered to receive this award the member must “exemplify the dedication, selflessness and leadership nec essary for the proper administration of the company.” Melson made 275 fire alarm responses, is a life member, was elected to serve as our company Chief Engineer. He is the Superintendent of Supplies and drives the ambulance as needed.

Secondly, the “Raymond E. Powell / Louis B. Evans Firefighter of the Year Award” was presented to Alfred ‘AJ’Moore. In order to be considered to receive this award the member must “exemplify the courage, commitment and honor inherent to all firefighters.” Mr Moore made 302 fire alarm responses, is an apparatus driver/operator, SCBAinterior firefighter, is an active EMTand is a reliable responding member at Fire Station 2 in Clarksville.

- Submitted by Douglas W. Scott, Captain

Millville VolunteerFire Company Firefighterof the Year Obituary Hockessin’s Brandt Farley

The Hockessin Fire Company (HFC) is saddened at the loss of past Assistant Chief and active member, Brandt Farley who passed away on November 11, 2022. He was 52.

Brandt joined HFC in 2004 and remained active with the company until his passing. He was retired from his career as a firefighter/EMTwith the Air Force and also served as a heavy equipment operator in the Seabees Unit MCB21 in the Navy. Brandt is also a past member of Mill Creek Fire Company Stations 2 and 21.

Contributions in Brandt’s memory may be made to American Heart Association or Homeless Vets.

- Submitted by Mark Felicetti

Agood time was had by young and old alike at the Thanksgiving morning Trot while being entertained by the motivating music of DJ Rupe and the awesome juggling and interactive skills of Cascading Carlos both before and after the two-mile fun run/walk through the town of Bethany Beach with a festive boardwalk finish. Primary sponsors included Wilgus Associates, Bank of Ocean City, Harvest Tide Steakhouse, Anne Powell Realty, The Coastal Point, and Steve MorganKeller Williams Realty. Generous participants also filled the Neighbors in Need SUVwith non-perishable foods.

“We were proud of these events in particular because of the familyfriendly aspect for both residents and visitors alike. By the attendance and the positive feedback, I think we accomplished that goal,” said Focus Multisports’Race Director Rick Hundley.

“At Focus Multisports, Rick and I, along with our team of volunteers, enthusiastic participants, Bethany Beach Police, BBVFC Fire Police and Public Works Departments, and through the generosity of our sponsors, make our community better through philanthropy and have fun while doing it. Our alliances strengthen local organizations and provide businesses with a platform to give back — and we were thrilled to honor the work of BBVFC’s First Responders.” said Focus Multisports’Race Director Ernie Felici.

Register Now for the annual Focus Multisports’Surfin’Snowman Twilight Run/Walk presented by MIKEN Builders on February 11, 2023 at surfinsnowman.com, The April 13-16, 2023 Coastal Delaware Running Festival presented by Grotto Pizza at codelrun.com and the April 28, 2023 Coastal Resorts Golf Classic presented by the Bank of Ocean City at CoastalResortsGolf.com. Thank You! (Photo Left to Right): Ernie Felici - Focus Multisports, FF/EMTDillon Baker, Asst. Chief Phil Brackin, FF/EMTJosh Schroeder, FF/EMTMike O’Neill, Rick Hundley-Focus Multisports - Submitted by Ernie Felici

SCFAHonors Winners of Fire Prevention Contests

On November 22, 2022, the Sussex County Volunteer Firefighters Association held its annual Fire Prevention Awards Program. The program was hosted by the Seaford Volunteer Fire Department. Children grades kindergarten through Grade three prepared a poster on an assigned Fire Prevention topic. Grade four through Grade eight completed an essay on their assigned topic. First place winners from the County move on to the State compet ition. Pictured: Row 1: Raylene Reynolds, Nolan Hull, Hunter Greenstre et, Olivia Schiffner, Layton Stevenson, Liliana Hazzard, Harleigh B ailey and Alexa Saunders. Row 2: Claire Ruggerio, Bennett Bekeshka, Kathryn Hughes, Kiera Lambrecht, Chance Wright, and Rowan Rosero. Row 3: Charli Evans Daxton Napolitano, Richard Nguyen, Edward Pace, Abigail Feagans and Porter Wyatt-Longfellow. Row 4Trista Street, Morgan Stevenson, Emily James, Abigail Phillips and Shayla Stewart.

- Submitted by Michael Lowe