Fire News Delaware, February, 2024

DELAWARE February 2024

Volume 27, No. 1

See story on page 18.

- Submitted by Lawrence Tan

John Rudd Appointed as State Fire Marshal See page 21.

FireNews.com

Fire News, February 2024, Page 3

In this issue...

2 Families Displaced

by Wilmington Fire The Wilmington Fire Department was dispatched to West 3rd Street for a structure fire.

See story on page 7

Structure Fire at Delaware Egg Stations 1 and 27 were alerted for a small outside fire in the area of Middleneck Road and Route 301.

See story on page 10

MVC with Entrapment New Castle County Paramedics and Wilmington Manor Fire Co. were dispatched to Route 13 northbound at School Lane.

See story on page 12

Aetna Responds to Cardiac Arrest on Roof Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company and New Castle County Paramedics were alerted for an unconscious subject on the roof in Newark.

See story on page 18

Millville’s Roger Hitchens Celebrates His 84th Chief Hitchens has served the MVFC faithfully for 65 years and has been a mentor to many young fire officers.

See story on page 37

Obituaries

Holloway Terrace’s William D. Camponelli, Sr. Holloway Terrace’s Mildred Garcia Holloway Terrace’s Gerald J. Toner Aetna’s Ronald A. McLain, Jr. Blades’ Jack Chaffinch Millville’s Roy Rickards pages 40 & 41

Serving Fire & EMS Heroes Since 1973 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher/CEO TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer GARY P. JOYCE, Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production CLIFF CHIESA, Art Director BARBARA CONNOLLY, Vice President National Sales SUZANNE BANCROFT, Business Development Manager BRYAN LOPEZ, Editorial Assistant GREG JONES,LYNN SEDLER Graphic Artists DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor Emeritus WARREN F. JONES AND THOMAS J. MITTEN, Publishers Emeritus SAL DEVIVO, Founding Publisher

Contributors: Mark Anderson, Steve Austin, Wayne Barrall, Christine Bennett, Dave Bosco, Earl Brode, B. Scott Bullock, Sean Byron, Dave Carpenter, Mike Carroll, Skip Carrow, Michael G. Chionchio, Fred Cullis, Michele Ehart, Mary Eisenbrey, Mark Felicetti, Dave Ferguson, Robert Fox, Jon Gallo, Claudia Garner, Glenn Gillespie, Larry Gum, Chuck Hayes, Dave Horack, Doug Hudson, Jerry Hull, Sean Humphreys, Chad Ingram, Bill Ireland, Jr., Terry Jester, James Jobes, Warren F. Jones, Ed Kalinowski, Kevin Keating, Ryan Knowles, Randall Lee, Michael Lowe, Chris Lucas, Karen Majewski, Candice McDonald, Mike McMichael, Harry Miller, Patrick Miller, Tom Mitten, Joseph Mriss, Joe Mullen, Amy Murray, Tim Murray, Michael J. O’Connor Jr., Dwayne Pearson, Phil Pennington Sr., Gary Plotts, Bob Powell, Patricia Quigley, Patrick Quigley, John Randolph, James Read, Matthew Read, Lauden Robertson, Bob Romig, D. Ruff, Gene Shaner, Kevin Sipple, Chuck Snyder, Russell Stinson, William Thomas, Eugene Tucker, Lisa Turner, Leonard Tylecki, Rob Watts, Jim Watson, Steve Watson, Matt Williams, Dave Wilson, Jack Wilson, Kevin Wilson, Jim Woznicki COPYRIGHT 2024, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

FOR MORE INFORMATION, (631) 776-0500 Advertising: Ext 3, Editorial: Ext 281 or LI@firenews.com

Reaching 17 States with 14 Editions Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, S. Carolina, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia, and Wildwood, NJ

Index of Advertisers

PLUS:

Atlantic Emergency Solutions ....................... 5, 13, 24, 25, 33, 47

President’s Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4

DPC ................................. 2, 15, 48

Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 31

ESI .............................................. 7

Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 31 Pioneers of the Delaware Fire Service . .page 43

Firehouse Payroll ....................... 7 Matheny Fire & Emergency .......................................... 9, 17, 39

Gearly, Redline ......................... 19 Provident Agency Inc. .............. 31 Roll N Rack ............................... 40 VCI ............................................ 11 Wayne Barrall Photography ..... 35

Page 4, Fire News, February 2024

FireNews.com

Serving Delaware’s First Responders Since 1921 I hope you are having a happy and safe 2024. As things are progressing in the new year, we have a lot of exciting updates and information.

The DVFA office will be moving from the South Bradford Street location to 555 East Lockerman Street, Suite 120, Dover, DE 19901. Please be patient with us during this move in February. We may be down for a few days, but we will still be operating. The phone number (302)734-9390 and the mailing address of PO Box 1849, Dover, DE 19903, will remain the same.

Please note if you’re planning on going to the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis Indiana on April 15th through April 20th, 2024, the DVFA room block is full.

The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) Fundraiser in Washington DC dates have been changed to April 29th and 30th, 2024. This is a wonderful event with great

DVFA Office

seminars and a fundraising dinner. We encourage everyone that is able to attend to do so.

More information will be sent out as it becomes available to us.

Please update your 2024 Officers contact information with the Delaware State Fire Prevention Commission. The Commission will distribute out the proper contact information to all the other agencies. If you plan to update your DVFA Delegates and Alternates for your Department please be sure to send those changes in to the DVFA office on your company’s letterhead. You can send that information to PO Box 1849, Dover, DE 19903, email me at Norm912@aol.com or fax it to (302)7349404.

We are very excited to share that the first bulk purchase of smoke detectors have come in and have been delivered to the local Fire Departments state-wide. In 2023, unfortunately we had 14 fire deaths in the State of Delaware, 11 of which did not have working

smoke detectors. With the assistance of Lowe’s, we were able to secure more then 3,300 smoke detectors that could be given out and placed in homes that are in need throughout the state. If your department has not received their allocated smoke detectors, please contact your County Association President. We want to give a special thank you to Vice President DiCristofaro for agreeing to head up this important project.

It is that time of year to think about your surf fishing tag forms so you may enter into Delaware State Parks for free and have the opportunity to enjoy surf fishing. You can get the DVFA President’s stamps on your forms at your county association meetings by any of the Vice President’s or mail them into the DVFA office to the Executive Manager.

The DVFA Scholarship information and application is available on the DVFA website for those interested. We also have a separate tuition reimbursement program. That informaContinued on page 34

DVFA President

by Ron O’Neal, President, DVFA As we bring the holiday season to a close, the DVFA Office continues to prepare for the busy Legislative session opening in January.

Tracking bills that directly or indirectly affect the Fire Service, meeting with new and long-term members of both chambers, and of course financial needs are top priorities that will be addressed.

One such financial issue is the increase to the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF). Since its inception in 2006, the DVFA has been extremely fortunate to have received a total of $10M in appropriations towards this fund, with

the largest supplemental funding increase of $5M being awarded in 2022. At the September 2023 meeting of the Revolving Loan Committee, over $4.9M was approved and distributed to 11 applicants. Another seven applications were received for the December meeting, requesting just under $3.1M. Unfortunately, due to the amount of monies remaining in the fund, only three applications, those with the most urgent delivery dates, were awarded funding for their projects.The remaining four applications will be addressed at the March meeting. As the cost for apparatus, ambulances and PPE increases, the utilization of the RLF at low interest rates becomes even more apparent. Continued requests by fire companies throughout the State for this funding provides the DVFA the needed information for the request of additional appropriations.

Outside of Legislative Hall, we are working

by Stacy Northam-Smith, President LADVFA Happy 2024! Time is marching on, and we too need to be mindful of the calendar. Plans are already underway for Conference 2024, which will be held in Sussex County in Dewey Beach at the Hyatt Place and at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. If you have not already booked rooms,

there are still some left at The Beach House Dewey and The Gold Leaf of Dewey. Please keep in mind that the dates will be Monday, September 16th - Thursday, September 19th, not the traditional Wednesday to Friday that we are accustomed to.

While we have our calendars out, please pencil in some additional dates. The CFSI dinner in Washington, D.C. will be held on April 25th, at the Washington Hilton. The National Fallen Firefighter Memorial Ceremony at Emmitsburg, Maryland will be held on May

toward the finalization of moving the DVFA office from its current location.Two possible locations have been identified and by the time you read this, we plan on having the selection process completed and the move started.

Also, the Fallen Firefighter Memorial Committee is busy planning the ceremonies to memorialize the names of Laura Madara and John Pridemore, which have been added to the Monument on the Green in Dover. These ceremonies are intended to bring together family and friends to honor, in a dignified manner, those lost while serving the Delaware Fire Service. It is important that we annually recognize those whose names appear on our Memorial and never forget their dedication and sacrifice while providing an invaluable service to the citizens of our State.

Last but not least, I want to thank those who participated in our Continued on page 34

LADVFA Corner 5th. Lastly, the LADVFA executive meeting will be held on Monday, May 6th at Cheswold Volunteer Fire Company. More information will be mailed to each auxiliary regarding the executive meeting.

A new year often means a new challenge. I would like to challenge all of us with expanding our membership. Remember, recruitment does not need to be expensive or complicated.

It can be as simple as word of mouth or putting something on your social media page. Just like Continued on page 34

Page 6, Fire News, February 2024

FireNews.com

Structure Fire on Nine Foot Road

Millsboro Fire Company, along with multiple mutual aid companies, assisted Station 73 Dagsboro on a structure fire on Nine Foot Road.

- Submitted by Larry Gum and Tom Williams

Worker Pinned Under Truck

On December 11, 2023, the New Castle County Paramedics and Holloway Terrace Fire Company responded to a commercial building for a patient trapped under a vehicle. Arriving units found the patient trapped within a hydraulic lift gate at the back of a box truck. The patient was trapped for an unknown amount of time.

Additional companies responded to assist in the rescue including Good Will, Minquas, Minquadale, Wilmington Manor, and Wilmington. Paramedics treated the patient for severe crush injuries from the waist down. Trooper 4 was utilized to transport the patient as a trauma code.

- Submitted by Abigail Haas

FireNews.com

Fire News, February 2024, Page 7

2 Families Displaced by Wilmington Fire Recently, the Wilmington Fire Department was dispatched to West 3rd Street for a structure fire. Engine 6 arrived to smoke showing from the second floor of a two-story, middle-of-the-row, single-family home.

On arrival of Battalion Chief 2, found additional smoke coming from the eaves of three other units attached to the original fire building. An interior fire attack was made on the second-floor bedroom by Engine 6 and searches of the residence and all exposure buildings found no residents inside. The fire was placed under control in approximately 15 minutes. Two families were displaced and were being aided by the American Red Cross. The following units responded: Engine 1, Engine 5, Engine 6, Squad 4, Ladder 1, Ladder 2, Battalion-1, Battalion-2, FM-11, FM-14, St. Francis EMS, New Castle County Paramedics, License and Inspection, Wilmington Police and Delmarva Power.

- Submitted by Capt. Matthew Marsella

Cedar Neck House Fire On November 22, 2023, at 1150, the Millville Volunteer Fire Company, along with mutual aid and the Sussex County Paramedics, were dispatched to the 38000 block of Piney Point Road in Cedar Neck for a reported house fire. Units arrived to find a twostory home with smoke showing. The fire was brought under control in approximately 30 minutes. Engine 84-2, Rescue 84, Tanker 84, Brush 84-0, Command 84-8 and Traffic Control 84-13 made the response. Mutual aid was provided by Bethany Beach, Roxana, Dagsboro and Frankford. Deputy Chief Paul Sterling had command of the incident.

- Fire News photo by Douglas W. Scott

Page 8, Fire News, February 2024

FireNews.com

Hoarding at Harrington Fire

On November 26, 2023, at 1440, the Harrington, Felton, Houston, Farmington and Carlisle (Milford) fire companies, along with Kent County EMS, were dispatched to a residential structure fire in the 100 block of Rachel Drive. Command 50 arrived and reported heavy smoke showing from a double-wide manufactured home.

Engine 50-4 placed two handlines in service and also reported hoarding conditions in the residence. Tower 50’s crew performed ventilation, search and rescue. Both primary and secondary searches were negative and all utilities to the residence were secured. The scene was placed under control in approximately one hour and the

scene was turned over to the Delaware State Fire Marshal. One firefighter was transported to a local hospital after suffering a medical problem. Units on scene: 50 Command, 50-4, 50-1, Tower 50, Rescue 50, Brush 50, 50-8, A-50, C-50, 52-5, Tanker 52, Rescue 52, B-52, Tanker 47, Command 48, 48-4, 48-5, Command 42, 42-5, Tanker 42, KM-8, Delmarva Power, FM-13, FCI-1, FCI-2 and Fire Police. Officer in charge: Deputy Fire Chief Kenny Brode.

Farmington Fire Co. 47-4 provided a standby at Harrington.

- Submitted by Kenny Brode

Truck Fire Out in Millville by the Sea On November 14, 2023, at 1528, the Millville Volunteer Fire Company was alerted to a reported commercial vehicle fire in the area of Endless Summer Drive and Summerwind Boulevard in the Millville by the Sea development. Units arrived to find an off-road dump truck with the engine compartment on fire.

The fire was quickly brought under control and units operated for approximately 30 minutes. Engine 84-2, Rescue 84 and Ambulance D-84 made the response.

Career EMS Chief Jackie Wilson had command of the incident.

- Submitted by Douglas W. Scott

RE 19 Covers and Responds

While covering Aetna Hose Hook and Ladder, RE19 was alerted to assisted Singerly Fire Company with a working residential fire.

RE19 arrived as the first-due engine.

- Submitted by Patrick Langshaw

Page 10, Fire News, February 2024

FireNews.com

Structure Fire at Delaware Egg

On December 16, 2023, just before 1900, Stations 1 and 27 were alerted for a small outside fire in the area of Middleneck Road and Route 301. While en route, New Castle County 911 reported that they were receiving calls for a chicken house on fire at Delaware Egg, located on Middleneck Road west of Middletown. A box alarm was transmitted bringing mutual aid from both Delaware and Maryland. Unit 27-1 arrived to find a two-story chicken house with fire showing and multiple exposures. Unit 1-8C established command and requested a second-alarm assignment and tanker task force. Due to the lack of fire hydrants, a water shuttle operation was established from Bunkerhill Pond. Two five-inch supply lines were

laid from the street down the 2,000-foot driveway to the fire building. Over 150,000 gallons of water was shuttled before bringing the fire under control around 2300. Crews operated into the early morning hours extinguishing hot spots. The fire was under investigation by the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office. Mutual aid came from Odessa, Townsend, Port Penn, Delaware City, Citizens’ Hose of Smyrna, Clayton, Harrington, Cecilton, Chesapeake City, Hacks Point, Galena, Millington, Leipsic, Delaware Air National Guard, St. Francis EMS, New Castle County Paramedics, Delaware State Fire School and Wilmington Police Drone Pilots.

- Submitted by Kyle Kokoszka, Assistant Chief

Aetna Responds to Residential Structure Fire Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company was dispatched with mutual aid companies to a residential structure fire in the 600 block of Nemours Lane in the Woods at Louviers. Firefighters arrived to find smoke showing from a home with fire visible from the bravo side. At 1514, firefighters reported the fire had been knocked down with units checking for extension. Incident command placed the situation under control at 1525 hours with units working. There were no injuries.

- Submitted by Lawrence Tan

Companies from 4 Counties Battle Large Structure Fire

On November 17, 2023, at 2141, Clayton, along with mutual aid companies from Citizens Hose of Smyrna, Hartly, Millington (MD) and EMS assets from the American

Legion Ambulance and Kent County Paramedics were dispatched for a barn fire in the 900 block of Blackiston Church Road.

Crews arrived to find a 120- by 40-foot

mechanic’s shop fully involved.

Being a non-hydranted area, command requested the firstalarm Tanker Task Force, bringing Townsend, Odessa, Leipsic and Sudlersville (MD) tankers to the scene. Several handlines were placed in service and the fire was brought under control in less than an hour. An engine from Cheswold and ladder from Dover covered Clayton while an engine from Odessa and a tanker from Magnolia covered Smyrna.

- Fire News photos courtesy Ken Rife, Amber Moorhead and Ambulance 64 Facebook page; submitted by Skip Carrow

FireNews.com

Fire News, February 2024, Page 11

Vacant Single Family Goes in Wilmington At 0755 on December 15, 2023, the Wilmington Fire Department was dispatched to the 900 block of Kirkwood Street after receiving several calls for a structure fire. Engine 2 arrived and immediately began suppression efforts on a two-story middle-of-the-row, vacant, single-family dwelling. A fire was located in the rear of the structure extending to the second floor. Searches for occupants and the adjacent exposures were negative. The fire was contained to the single residence and placed under control within 30 minutes. No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported. The fire was under investigation by Wilmington Fire Marshals. The following units responded: Engine 1, Engine 2, Engine 3, Squad 4, Ladder 1, Ladder 2, Battalion-1, Battalion-2, Deputy 3, FM-18, St. Francis EMS, New Castle County Paramedics, License and Inspection, Wilmington Police, and Delmarva Power.

- Submitted by Capt. Matthew Marsella

Millville Assists Bethany Beach On December 13, 2023, at 0441, the Millville Volunteer Fire Company, along with the mutual aid, was dispatched to assist the Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company on a house fire in the 600 block of Tingle Avenue in Bethany Beach. Units arrived to find smoke showing from an attached garage. Engine 84-2, Engine 84-4, Command 84-8 and Ambulance A-84 made the response. Units operated for approximately 90 minutes until being released by command.

- Submitted by Douglas W. Scott

Page 12, Fire News, February 2024

FireNews.com

Mill Creek Road MVA and Extrication

On December 5, 2023, the New Castle County Paramedics, Hockessin Fire and Cranston Heights Fire responded to the intersection of Mill Creek Road and Brackenville Road for an MVA. Units arrived to find a vehicle off the roadway, approximately 15 to 20 feet down an embankment into a creek.

The vehicle was overturned, resting on its roof with a single occupant. The patient was trapped in the vehicle while also partially submerged in cold water. Extrication was completed after approximately 40 minutes. The patient was treated by paramedics for minor injuries, and transported in stable condition.

- Submitted by Abigail Haas & Patrick Langshaw

Laurel MVA with Extrication On December 5, 2023, at approximately 1730, the Laurel Fire Department and Sussex County EMS were alerted for an MVA on Sussex Highway, in the area of Camp Road, north of town. Engine 81-2 responded with Captain Mike Stanfield as officer. While en route, Sussex upgraded the call to an MVA with extrication adding Blades Volunteer Fire Company to the response. Ambulance B-81 arrived and confirmed extrication. The crew from 81-2, plus personnel from arriving Tower 81, began extrication which took about 10 minutes. The crash was determined to be a hit-and-run with a pickup fleeing the scene.

One patient was transported to Tidal Health Seaford. Units cleared in about 30 minutes.

- Submitted by Michael Lowe

MVC with Entrapment On December 20, 2023, at 1532, the New Castle County Paramedics and Wilmington Manor Fire Company were dispatched to the area of Route 13 northbound at School Lane for an MVA with entrapment and multiple injuries.

An NCC Paramedic lieutenant was first on scene reporting a collision involving a tractor trailer, a box truck and four passenger vehicles.

He confirmed an entrapment and multiple patients. Additional resources from the Delaware Air National Guard, Minquadale, Good Will, Minquas, Belvedere and Delaware State Police Aviation were added to the response. Two patients were transported to the trauma center, one by medevac. Multiple other patients were evaluated and declined transport.

The roadway remained closed for hours while HazMat crews worked to clear the wreckage.

- Submitted by Abigail Haas

Page 14, Fire News, February 2024

FireNews.com

Rollover with Double Ejection

Seaford Fire responded to a rollover MVA with double ejection. Pictured is Maryland Trooper 6 overhead Rescue 87 and Engine 87-5.

- Submitted by Trevor Holmes

MVA on Milford-Harrington Highway with Medevac On November 25, 2023, at 0953, the Harrington Fire Company along with Kent County EMS and Delaware State Police Aviation, were dispatched to an MVA on MilfordHarrington Highway in the area of John Andrews Drive. Units arrived on scene to find a two-vehicle accident with two injured adults and one injured pediatric patient. The two adults were transported by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment. The pediatric patient was flown by DSP Trooper 2 to AI DuPont Hospital. The scene was turned over to the Delaware State Police for further investigation. Units on scene: 50 Command, Engine 505, Rescue 50, Brush 50, Ambulances A-50, C-50 and B-48, KM-8, KM-10, DSP Trooper 2 and Patrol Units, Harrington PD and Fire Police. Officer in charge: Deputy Fire Chief Kenny Brode.

- Submitted by Kenny Brode

MVA with Person Trapped On November 3, 2023 at 2149, the Millville Volunteer Fire Company along with Sussex County EMS were dispatched to the 34000 block of Omar Road for an MVA involving a golf cart. Additional information was received reporting a subject reported trapped beneath the vehicle, bringing the mutual aid street alarm assignment (Roxana) to the scene. In addition, information was received that multiple patients were involved prompting the Sussex EOC to dispatch additional EMS units from Bethany Beach, Dagsboro, Roxana and Sussex County EMS. Helicopters from Delaware State Police Aviation and Christiana Care Life Net 2 were dispatched to an LZ at Fire Station 2 (Omar Road). Units arrived to find two priority-one patients, confirming one patient trapped underneath the vehicle.

Units worked together to extricate the patient from underneath the vehicle taking approximately 10 minutes. Both patients were transported to Fire Station 2 and transported by helicopter to Christiana ER. Roxana handled the LZ. Lieutenant Ty Webb had command of the incident. Deputy Chief Derek Kuebeck (90) handled the LZ. The Delaware State Police were investigating.

- Submitted by Douglas W. Scott

Page 16, Fire News, February 2024

FireNews.com

1 Driver Dies, 1 Flees at Clayton MVA On October 30, 2-23, at 0207, Clayton, along with Rescue Co. from Hartly Fire and EMS assets from Ambulance 64 and 53, Kent County Paramedics and Trooper 2 were dispatched for an MVA with a vehicle reported overturned and on fire and a subject trapped on Wheatley’s Pond Road and Bryon Zion Road. Crews arrived to find a pickup ton its side fully involved and a passenger car with a subject trapped. The occupant of the pickup had self-extricated and fled prior to the arrival of emergency services. The driver of the second vehicle was transported to a local trauma center but was pronounced deceased. Delaware State Police were on scene and investigating. The roadway was closed for several hours.

- Submitted by Skip Carrow

1 Injured in Sussex Hwy. MVA

Georgetown MVA

Crews responded to a single-vehicle MVA on East Piney Grove Road in Georgetown, recently. The driver refused transport.

- Submitted by Stephen Chapis, Georgetown EMS/Sta 93

Aetna Responds to Crash with Rollover

Blades Volunteer Fire Company handled an MVA with assistance of Seaford Volunteer Fire Department on November 18, 2023. The incident took place at Sussex Highway and Concord Road. One patient was extricated by fire personnel.

- Submitted by Jason Hudson

Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company was alerted to an MVA involving a rollover on Interstate 95 southbound at Old Baltimore Pike Industrial Park. Initial reports indicated the possibility of up to eight injuries at the scene, prompting a response that included six ambulances and multiple units from the New Castle County Paramedics. Fire department units and EMS personnel arrived to find a four-vehicle collision with one vehicle on its side. There were no victims trapped in any of the involved vehicles. Three patients were transported by Aetna ambulances to the Christiana Hospital Emergency Department.

- Submitted by Lawrence Tan

Hammondtown Road MVA with Entrapment

Car into Pole Outside Ocean View

On November 6, 2023, at 0618, the Harrington and Farmington fire companies, along with Kent County EMS and Delaware State Police Aviation, were dispatched to an MVA with entrapment on Hammondtown Road between Gingerwood Road and Farmington Road. Units arrived to find a two-vehicle accident with one of the vehicles striking tree and heavily entrapping the driver. Crews worked to free the driver which took approximately 33 minutes. The injured subject was then transported to DSP Trooper 2 for transport to a local trauma center. Units on scene: Command 50, Ambulances A-50 and C-50, Rescue 50, Engine 50-5, Rescue

47, Engine 47-4, KM-8, DSP Patrol and Aviation and DelDot. Officer in charge: Fire Chief Robbie Brode.

- Submitted by Abigail Haas

On November 1, 2023 at 0508, the Millville Volunteer Fire Company was alerted for an MVA on Double Bridges Road in the area of Wild Wood Avenue south of Ocean View, with one subject possibly trapped.

Mutual aid brought Roxana to the scene. Sussex County EMS and Delaware State Police Aviation were also dispatched. Upon arriving units found a single-vehicle accident with a vehicle into a pole and the driver trapped. The patient was extricated in approximately five minutes and was transported by ground to Beebe Medical Center in Lewes for evaluation and treatment. Delaware Electric Cooperative was notified. The Delaware State Police were investigating the cause of the crash. Fire Chief Walter Johnson had command of the incident.

- Submitted by Douglas W. Scott

Page 18, Fire News, February 2024

FireNews.com

Cover Story

Aetna Strikes Second Alarm for Commercial Fire

On November 4, 2023, at 1133, Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company was alerted, with several mutual aid companies and support agencies, for a commercial structure fire at the United Cocoa Processor facility on Pencader Drive in the Pencader Corporate Center. Initial reports to the 911 Center reported smoke coming from the roof with an automatic fire alarm system signaling a water flow alarm at the site. Fire department personnel arrived to find smoke and fire visible from the roof with smoke conditions in the interior. A vat with an approximately 20- by x 50-foot section of the ceiling and roof were found to be on fire. A second alarm assignment was requested for additional assistance. Two United Cocoa Processor employees were assisted from the roof by firefighters. Delmarva Power was requested to secure both electric and gas service to the building. This was the second fire at the United Cocoa Processor facility this year. Aetna and other companies responded for a fire at the same facility on July 26, 2023.

- Submitted by Lawrence Tan

Aetna Responds to Cardiac Arrest on Roof

On December 12, 2023, at 0951, the Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company and New Castle County Paramedics were alerted for an unconscious subject on the roof of a Grove Lane address in the Grove in Newark. Fire and EMS units arrived to find an adult male in cardiac arrest on the rooftop of a commercial building with bystanders performing CPR. Fire department personnel took over CPR and were joined on the roof by county paramedics who initiated advanced life support procedures. Fire and EMS personnel were able to restore the patient’s pulse on the roof at approximately 1016 hours. Fire department personnel requested assistance

from the New Castle County High Angle/Confined Space Rescue Team. Special operations personnel from Christiana, Cranston Heights, Elsmere, Good Will and Five Points with County Rescue Paramedics responded to the request for specialized rescue personnel. The patient was lowered to the ground at 1044 hours and transported by Aetna ambulance with county paramedics to the Christiana Hospital Emergency Department.

- Photos courtesy of John J. Jankowski, Jr.; - Submitted by Lawrence Tan & Abigail Haas

Page 20, Fire News, February 2024

FireNews.com

DELAWARE STATE FIRE SCHOOL

Your Feedback Requested Delaware Technical Community College is exploring the development of a Fire Science program to support the growing needs of the fire service. This could include using DSFS training towards some of the credit for the program. For DelTech to determine if this is feasible, they are requesting your feedback by completing the following the survey, which will be available until January 15, 2024. Follow this link to the survey: https:// dtcc.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dhGFoPaGbs4nzoi.

- Submitted by Michael Lowe

Life Safety Skills Taught at Georgetown Middle School At Georgetown Middle School, on November 8, 2023, Mr. Schwendtner’s Project Lead The Way (CTE) class had Delaware Fire School in to talk to his 7th grade students about the importance of CPR and Stop the Bleed. Fire and Life Safety Instructor, Wendy Lowe presented a lesson to seventh grade students that paralleled the Medical Detectives and Vital Signs units learned within class. Students were also learning about the function of the heart and brain as a preview to the end of the course material. Mr. Schwendtner and the Georgetown Middle Student community are thankful for the time and knowledge that Mrs. Lowe provided to the students. The skills learned today in class could help to save a life in the future! Pictured: David Carter, Principal of Georgetown Middle School, Wendy Lowe, Instructor Delaware State Fire School and George Schwendtner, of George Middle School.

- Submitted by Michael Lowe

New Castle County Police Recruits Attend DSFS On November 8 and 9, 2023, the 51st Class of the New Castle County Police Department and the 102 Class of the Wilmington Police Department attended the Delaware State Fire School for their Law Enforcement Fire Survival Training. Twenty-five students were in attendance and received their Hazardous Materials Awareness Certification. They also did evolutions involving fire extinguishers, ladders, sprinklers and fire behavior.

- Submitted by Michael Lowe

That’s Thinking on Your Feet!

During the week of November 6, 2023, our Community Outreach Team had planned to work with the Polytech Adult Education English as a Second Language (ESL) Program to provide fire safety education to children in their daycare program while the adults were in the ESL class. Within minutes of starting, both our team and the Polytech staff realized that the same safety messages would be valuable for the adults as well! The team quickly pivoted and made it happen. Polytech provided translators for both Spanish and Haitian Creole and our team taught safety lessons to families as a whole. The success was immediately evident and we already have more dates being planned!

- Submitted by Michael Lowe

FireNews.com

Fire News, February 2024, Page 21

State Fire Commission Appoints Newark’s John Rudd as Delaware State Fire Marshal John W. Rudd began work at the Office of the State Fire Marshal in October 1996. As a Senior Fire Protection Specialist, he has reviewed and inspected new sites, new construction, fire protection systems, and tanks for the State of Delaware.

In 2007, he was promoted to Assistant Chief of Technical Services, supervising the northern Plan Review and Inspections divisions of the agency. He serves as a member of the Technical Committee on NFPA 96, Venting Systems for Cooking Appliances, sat on the State of Delaware’s Water Supply Coordinating Council, and sits on numerous technical advisory committees as a subject matter expert on issues that deal with life safety, homeland security, and fire protection. He served as an adjunct faculty member for Delaware Technical and Community College’s Fire Engineering Technology program, has given training presentations to fire departments throughout the state, and has guest lectured to hotel, restaurant, and institutional management students at the University of Delaware on the subject of life safety and fire protection, as well as assisting in the annual safety training of their Resident Assistants.

He served as the chairperson of the State’s fire lane code revision committee, which revised the 30-year-old regulation to better reflect current trends in emergency services access and traditional neighborhood design, as well as incorporating changes recommended

he held the rank of Chief of the Department from 2011 to 2013.

Mr. Rudd holds an A.A.S. in Safety Management from Delaware Technical and Community College and a B.S. in Organizational Management from Wilmington University. He has attended several on-campus management, community risk reduction, and fire prevention classes at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg (MD), and is a Certified Fire Protection Specialist, Certified Fire Inspector II, and Certified Fire Plans Examiner.

- Submitted by Michael Lowe, - photos submitted by Lawrence Tan

by the State’s Architectural Accessibility Board.

In 2021 he was promoted to Chief of Technical Services, where he managed the fire protection and life safety division of the agency, as well as overseeing the fire protection vendor licensing program, quality assurance program (QAP), and code enforcement activities. He also serves on the State’s Preliminary Land Use Service (PLUS) for major land use change proposals, and is one of the agency’s Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP) representatives.

He is a life member of the Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company of Newark, where

Page 22, Fire News, February 2024

FireNews.com

NCC*EMS

NCCo EMS Retiree Breakfast

The New Castle County EMS retiree breakfast was held on December 8, 2023, in Marshallton. Over 50 retired and current paramedics spent hours sharing stories and reflecting on their long careers as public servants. Over 1200 years of combined paramedic service to New Castle County was figured to be in one room at one time. It was an honor to spend time with those who shaped our high-performing paramedic service into what it is today.

- Submitted by Abigail Haas

Not all Family is Blood …

On December 19, 2023, members of New Castle County Platoon 3 made a special trip to the home of one of their own, who is currently overseas serving our country. Knowing he had to leave his wife and three children behind, his co-workers wanted to ensure the family had a special visit this holiday season. The paramedics from his shift, members of the Volunteer Hose Company of Middletown, the Middletown Police Department and the New Castle County Police all escorted Santa, who brought gifts for them that had been donated by his shift mates.

- Submitted by Abigail Haas

FireNews.com

Fire News, February 2024, Page 23

NCC*EMS

Abigail E. Haas Promoted to Lieutenant

New Castle County Paramedics congratulate Abigail Haas on her recent promotion to Paramedic Lieutenant. Lieutenant Haas is a 19-year veteran who obtained her paramedic certification from the Delaware Technical and Community College. In addition, she has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and a second Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science with a concentration in pre-veterinary medicine, both from the University of Delaware. Lieutenant Haas served the City of Wilmington for many years assigned to Medic 8 on the C Platoon before being reassigned to Medic 2 in New Castle and Medic 3 in the Newark area. Lieutenant Haas was promoted to Sergeant as a field operations supervisor in 2015 and has been serving in that role for the past eight years. She has served as FTO educating and mentoring new paramedics, been a member of the State of Delaware paramedic protocol committee, served as a high school mentor, and many years as the EMS Division’s Public Information Officer.

- Submitted by Abigail Haas

Thanksgiving Food Drive

On November 20, 2023, New Castle County Paramedics continued its annual tradition of supporting the Ministry of Caring Emmanuel Dining Room, in the City of Wilmington, with assembling Thanksgiving food baskets for local families in need this holiday. Nearly 500 families were provided meals from items donated and turkeys gathered, at the New Castle County Department of Public Safety TurkeyThon 2023, held November 17. We are proud of our employees who continue to serve the citizens of New Castle County, even while outside the workplace.

- Submitted by Abigail Haas

Page 26, Fire News, February 2024

FireNews.com

NCC*EMS

Stafford Promoted to Paramedic First Class New Castle County Paramedics congratulate Bryan P. Stafford on his recent promotion to Paramedic First Class. PFC Stafford is a three-year veteran NCC Paramedic. In addition to New Castle County, PFC Stafford also worked for the Department of Emergency Services in Cecil County, Maryland. He is currently assigned to field operations, Platoon 2, at Medic 6 serving the Glasgow area. He is an EMS Division Field Training Officer working to educate paramedic students and candidates as they navigate field training to obtain Delaware Paramedic licensure. He is also heavily involved with the EMS Division’s Community Outreach group and works to educate citizens in our communities on Hands-Only CPR. In his time with the division, he has become a decorated field paramedic receiving sudden cardiac arrest save citations and multiple letters of appreciation.

- Submitted by Abigail Haas

Casson Promoted to Paramedic First Class New Castle County Paramedics congratulate Matthew A. Casson on his recent promotion to Paramedic First Class. PFC Casson is a four-year veteran paramedic who is a 2019 graduate of the Good Fellowship Ambulance and EMS Training Institute Paramedic Program in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

He is currently assigned to field operations, Platoon 3, at Medic 1 serving the City of Wilmington and New Castle areas. In addition to being a member of the EMS Division Honor Guard, he is also part of the EMS Division's Bike Team with certification through the International Police Mountain Bike Association. In his time with the division, he has become a decorated field paramedic with multiple sudden cardiac arrest save citations, commendations, and letters of appreciation.

- Submitted by Abigail Haas

Kelli A. Starr-Leach Promoted to Assistant Chief New Castle County Paramedics congratulate Kelli Starr-Leach on her recent promotion to Assistant Chief.

Assistant Chief Starr-Leach is a 31-year veteran who obtained her paramedic certification from the Medical Center of Delaware. In addition, she has a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education Studies with a concentration in exercise and sport science. She also has an Associate Degree In Business Administration with a healthcare focus from Eastern Gateway Community College. Assistant Chief Starr-Leach worked most of her career in the City of Wilmington assigned to Medic 1 on the B platoon. As one of the first four field supervisors in the division, she was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2005 and then to Lieutenant in 2013. She was promoted to rank of Captain in May 2022. She has served the EMS Division as a Field Training Officer (FTO) educating and mentoring new paramedics and many years as the EMS Division’s Public Information Officer.

- Submitted by Abigail Haas

Paramedic Garcia Promoted to Corporal New Castle County Paramedics congratulate Ernest Garcia on his recent promotion to Paramedic Corporal. Corporal Garcia is a nine-year veteran paramedic who was a member of the 1st New Castle County Paramedic Academy. He is currently assigned to field operations, Platoon 2, at Medic 5 serving the MOT area. He is an EMS Division Field Training Officer working to educate paramedic students and candidates as they navigate field training to obtain Delaware Paramedic licensure. He is also a member of the vehicle replacement committee and serves as an Assistant Recruiter. In his time with the division, he has become a decorated field paramedic with multiple sudden cardiac arrest save citations, commendations, and letters of appreciation.

- Submitted by Abigail Haas

FireNews.com

Fire News, February 2024, Page 27

NCC*EMS

Berridge Paramedic Badge and Insignia Congratulations to Paramedic Carl D. Berridge on successfully completing the Delaware Paramedic field certification process. Paramedic Berridge received his badge and paramedic insignia from Chief Logemann at EMS Headquarters on November 2, 2023. Carl is a graduate of NHTI Community College where he obtained an Associate Degree in Paramedic Emergency Medicine. He previously worked as a paramedic with UMASS Worcester EMS in North Worcester, Massachusetts and is currently a member of the New Hampshire Air National Guard serving in the role of intelligence analyst. Carl will be assigned to EMS Platoon 4 in field operations.

- Submitted by Abigail Haas

Garrison Completes Field Cert Process Congratulations to Paramedic Kimberly A. Garrison on successfully completing the Delaware Paramedic field certification process. Paramedic Garrison received her badge and paramedic insignia from Chief Logemann at EMS Headquarters on November 27, 2023. Kimberly is an August 2023 graduate of Delaware Technical and Community College where she earned an Associate Degree in Paramedic Technology.

We thank the Tech Paramedic Program staff members who were on hand for the badging. Kimberly will be assigned to EMS Platoon 1 in field operations.

- Submitted by Abigail Haas

Patterson Gets Valor Award New Castle County Paramedic Corporal Matthew Patterson was awarded the National Liberty Museum’s Valor in Emergency Response Award for an individual in November 2023. This program recognizes first responders from the greater Philadelphia Region for remarkable acts of heroism, going above and beyond the call of duty, and for serving as role models in their communities.

Corporal Patterson was recognized for his actions to save the life of a Wilmington Police officer on June 2, 2021, during a shooting incident with a barricaded subject in the City of Wilmington.

Corporal Patterson’s actions resulted in providing direct threat care of the injured officer who was unable to move himself from an exposed position due to his injuries. Corporal Patterson moved him to safety and initiated life-saving medical care while placing himself in danger during the early stages of the incident.

- Submitted by Abigail Haas

Ya’ Never Know Who’ll You Meet S/CPL Dan Panaro recently had the opportunity to meet the NBA’s 20222023 most valuable player, Joel Embiid during a recent standby event at the Chase Fieldhouse in Wilmington.

- Submitted by Abigail Haas

Page 28, Fire News, February 2024

FireNews.com

DVFA Conference Chase Center On the River Front Wilmington, Delaware, Thursday, September 14, 2023 LADVFA Hall of Recognition Presentations

Editor’s Note: Below is the speech from LADVFA Hall of Recognition presentation.

President Lawhead, President Ryder, Past Presidents, Delegates/Alternates, Guest, Ladies and Gentlemen: First, I want to recognize the Hall of Recognition committee members: Joyce Figgs, Saralee Stevens, Mary Frances Eisenbrey, Louise Betts, Lynn Warner and Jackie Guzzo and thank them for their help selecting our inductees. It is my honor and privilege as Chairperson to announce the inductees into the Hall of Recognition for the year 2023. These ladies are dedicated volunteers and have served their auxiliary and fire company along with our county and state associations as well as their communities. Our first inductee has been an active member of her auxiliary for 28 years.

She has held the offices of President and Vice President. She has chaired and served on several committees in the auxiliary. She has held the offices of 2nd Vice President, 1st Vice President and her term of President 2017-2020 of the Kent County Volunteer Firefighter’s Auxiliary. She has also chaired and/or served on several committees in the county and state associations. She is very active in her community volunteering for the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, Lifetime member of the St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Smyrna-Clayton 4th of July Association, Kent County Blessing for Badges. She has been employed as a Pharmacist for several years and received several awards.

Kent County’s Winner is: Sandy Robinson from the Citizen’s Hose Company Auxiliary Our next inductee joined her Auxiliary in 1974. She has held the offices of President, Vice President and many years on the Board of Directors. She has served on several committees, some being marching, kitchen, recreation, wedding, auditing and Constitution & ByLaws. She is a Life Member with 48 years of service. She attends county meetings and has served on various LADVFA committees. She is active in her community attending St. John’s Church and volunteering with the Food Closet and Thanksgiving Turkey distribution. She also works the Election Polls every election.

She worked at a local Seaford business before retiring to spend more time with her family.

She is an asset to her auxiliary as well as her community.

Sussex County’s Winner is: Elaine Vincent from the Seaford Ladies’ Auxiliary Our next inductee has over 20 years of active participation in all auxiliary functions.

She has served as Treasurer and is currently Financial Secretary. She is one of the auxiliaries “chief” cooks and is totally responsible for the purchase and preparation of all meals for the Korean Veterans monthly luncheons.

She is an active attendee at all county meetings serving as delegate or alternate for the auxiliary. She has also served as delegate or alternate to conferences and has been an alternate to the Mutual Relief Association and worked on the Credentials Committee. She is dedicated

and always willing to assist whenever needed giving 100 percent.

New Castle County’s Winner is: Lorean Peckfrom the Cranston Heights Auxiliary Last but not least this award is to honor the 2022 LADVFA President on her year in leading all the Auxiliaries in supporting the firefighters of the Delaware Volunteer Fire Service. She is an active member of the Good Will Ladies Auxiliary with 39 years of active service. She has held the offices of President, Vice-President and Board of Director in her Auxiliary and was President of the Ladies Auxiliary of New Castle County. As immediate Past President of the LADVFA. She is being inducted into the Hall of Recognition. Pam, we thank you for your leadership and dedicated service to the Good Will Ladies Auxiliary, Ladies Auxiliary of New Castle and the LADVFA. Our last inductee this year is: Pam Ingle 2022 President from the Good Will Ladies Auxiliary Please join me in extending congratulations to these 4 new Hall of Recognition inductees for all their hard work, loyalty, and dedication to the Fire Service of Delaware.

Thank you, Mary Frances Eisenbrey, Chairperson-Hall of Recognition We extend our congratulation to the 2023 Hall of Recognition inductees for all their loyal service and dedication to the Fire Service of Delaware.

Thank you for the honor to serve.

- Submitted by Mary Eisenbrey

FireNews.com

Fire News, February 2024, Page 29

TRAINING

Aetna Participates in Active Shooter Training

Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company joined with several public safety partners in law enforcement, fire service and emergency medical services to conduct an active shooter/active assailant fullscale exercise on the grounds of the University of Delaware. While we hope we never have to use the procedures and skills tested during the training event; Delaware is fortunate to have a statewide standard guideline for integrating the police, law enforcement and

emergency medical services response during this type of critical incident. The full-scale exercise permitted multiple agencies, including Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company, Christiana Fire Company, University of Delaware Police, University of Delaware Emergency Care Unit, New Castle County Paramedics and the New Castle County Emergency Communications Division to jointly test the statewide integration guidelines. - Submitted by Lawrence Tan

Structure Firefighting Training Millsboro Fire Company completed a two-day training on structure firefighting.

- Submitted by Larry Gum

Chesapeake Utilities Gas Emergency Training On the evening of December 12, 2023, representatives from Chesapeake Utilities traveled to the Millville Volunteer Fire Company to present a training session on gas emergencies. Each member of the team presented valuable information to those in attendance. The training trailer is an invaluable tool in demonstrating many of the components of a gas distribution system. We appreciate Chesapeake Utilities willingness to share their knowledge with our members. The MVFC would highly recommend to our fire service friends that you take advantage of this awesome training opportunity.

- Submitted by Douglas W. Scott

Page 30, Fire News, February 2024

FireNews.com

TRAINING

IPMBA Training

terparts to instruct IPMBA In October of 2023, New certification classes. EMS Castle County Paramedics providers, paramedics and assisted the New Castle law enforcement officers County Police with teaching a obtained their 40-hour combined law enforcement and EMS International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA) IPMBA certification following successful completion of the proclass. New Castle County Paramedics has three certified IPMBA gram.

- Submitted by Abigail Haas instructors, and partner with their New Castle County Police coun-

Hale Pump Update Millsboro Fire Company held a pump operation update by Hale Pump.

- Submitted by Larry Gum

4th Annual Jerry Fickes Memorial Training Event The 4th Annual Jerry Fickes Memorial Training Event included 30 participants from Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company, Elsmere Fire Company 1, Talleyville Fire Company and the Wilmington Fire Department. Class participants spent the weekend of September 16 and 17, 2023, at the West Chester (PA) Fire Department Training Center focusing on engine company performance operations.

We offer our thanks to the sponsors who made this event possible: Atlantic Emergency Solutions, The Fire store, Streamlight, Inc., and FLAME Natural Decon. A special thanks to Capitol Fire Training for their management of the training event.

The Jerry Fickes Memorial Training Event is held annually in honor and tribute to Lieutenant Jerry Fickes, a respected firefighter who made the ultimate sacrifice while working with the Wilmington (DE) Fire Department in 2016. Jerry was an active volunteer firefighter who also served as an Assistant Chief with the Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company.

- Submitted by Lawrence Tan

FireNews.com

Fire News, February 2024, Page 31

Up Close & Personal

The 4th Annual Jerry Fickes Memorial Training Event included 30 participants from Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company, Elsmere Fire Company 1, Talleyville Fire Company and the Wilmington Fire Department.

- Submitted by Lawrence Tan

Millsboro firefighters after completing their assignments.

- Submitted by Larry Gum

While covering Aetna Hose Hook and Ladder, RE19 was alerted to assisted Singerly Fire Company with a working residential fire. RE19 arrived as the first-due engine.

- Submitted by Patrick Langshaw

Laurel Firefighter/EMT Leah Croy revives a cat at the scene of a recent house fire.

- Submitted by Michael Lowe

Page 32, Fire News, February 2024

FireNews.com

Delaware First Responders Day Event

On November 4, 2023, Bayshore Truck Center in New Castle, hosted numerous emergency response agencies for the 3rd Annual First Responder Day, held at Delcastle Recreational Park in New Castle County. Joining dozens of local first responders were area businesses that support emergency services personnel, working with them in times of need. Although the day began under a cloud cover, the sun emerged just in time for the 1100 opening ceremonies.

For the next four hours, hundreds of visitors, most of them families with children of all ages, saw displays and demonstrations of the wide array of equipment used by emergency personnel. This was a free event that allowed visitors to get up close and personal, and marvel at hightech gear and vehicles, as well as personnel, some the four-legged type,

along with entertainment, giveaways and food trucks in attendance.

Always a popular attraction, the Mill Creek Fire Company’s Fire Safety Smoke House, invited dozens of children to learn valuable lessons about what to do if a smoke alarm sounds inside your home.

Fire and rescue personnel presented their engines and ladders, while paramedics demonstrated their life-saving work, and others presented their medevac helicopter. There was also at least one antique fire truck, showing the stark contrast of fire apparatus over the past hundred years.

Organizers thank everyone that helped stage the event, as well as all who attended.

- Submitted by Sherry Sawicki

Page 34, Fire News, February 2024

FireNews.com

Aetna Past-Chief Farrell Recognized by School Board

Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company past-Chief John H. Farrell, IV, was recognized by the Christina School Board for his, “Selfless dedication to public service, his tireless commitment to the safety of our community, and his passion in the fire service.”

Past Chief Farrell has engaged in fire prevention activities for 40 years. In some cases, he has provided fire prevention presentations to three generations of families. In 2023 alone, Farrell delivered 56 presentations to 4,110 students in 11 schools. - Submitted by Lawrence Tan

UD Football Team Visits Aetna Station

Members of the University of Delaware Football Team visited Aetna a message of thanks for the service of the fire and EMS responders.

Hose, Hook and Ladder Company Station 9 on Academy Street. Aetna is “First Due at the U” and appreciated the visit and message Delaware football brought lunch for the on-duty crews and offered from the players.

- Submitted by Lawrence Tan DVFA Office continued on page 4 -tion is on the Delaware State Fire School’s website, or you contact Jeff Brown at the Delaware State Fire School for more information.

The next Revolving Loan meeting is March 20th, 2024. The committee mandated that you need to have your loan request in 3 weeks before the meeting. This will ensure that the committee will have time to review them. There is currently a waiting list on loans. The DVFA is seeking an additional money from the General Assembly to add to that program to assist more fire companies.

If you are planning on staying overnight at the 2024 DVFA Conference on Rehoboth/Dewey Beach on September 16th through 19th, 2024. The host hotel the Hyatt Place is full. We have additional rooms blocked and still available at Gold Leaf Hotel and The Beach House. Keep an eye on the DVFA website for updates such as agendas DVFA President continued on page 4 Regulation 709 workshop in early December, as well as the Committee members that presented the information. The workshop was intended to provide an opportunity for review of the proposal and for open and respectful conversation regarding its contents, and I believe we achieved that goal. Please remember, “comments only” should be subLADVFA Corner continued on page 4 the shampoo commercial, you will tell two friends, and so on, and so on…..! The beginning of the year is also often annual recognition and banquet season for fire departments and auxiliaries. Please take time to recognize the members that you already have. These men and women are the backbone of our organizations. Recruit, remember, recognize!

and registrations which will be posted in the coming months.

The 2024 recruitment sub-grants will be coming available soon. That information will be put out once as available. If you would like to start planning, you may talk to Jeff Brown at the fire school for more information on what qualifies for the Sub-grants and how to apply.

The next DVFA Executive Meeting is March 10, 2024, at the Fire School in Dover Delaware. Don’t forget the set your clocks ahead.

Norman ‘Jay’ Jones Jr., DVFA Executive Manager Norm912@aol.com Office - 302-734-9390 Fax - 302-734-9404

mitted to the Fire Prevention Commission during the Regulation’s public comment period, which should open in mid-January.

In closing, I thank you for your service and I look forward to working with everyone involved as we strive to move our organization in a positive direction.

The start of the new year also means the Legislature will soon be back in session. I hope that 2024 is an especially good year for the Delaware Fire Service and that initiatives that they have discussed are taken care of. I am looking forward to the coming year and working with all of you.

FireNews.com

Fire News, February 2024, Page 35

Veterans Day Ceremony at Bishops Landing On November 11, 2023, Vice-President and Assistant Chief Guy Rickards attended a Veterans Day Ceremony at the Bishops Landing Development in Millville. Mayor Ron Belinko was the master of ceremonies. The Millville Volunteer Fire Company was presented a check in the amount of $350 from the Bishop Landing

Home Owners Association. In addition, our local Corvette Club was in attendance. We would like to thank the residents of the Bishops Landing development for the invitation to the awesome event honoring our veterans!

- Submitted by Douglas W. Scott

Phibbs Out, Schenck In for New Castle Chiefs Assn.

The officers and members of the Holloway Terrace Fire Company congratulate Ken Phibbs for completion of a successful term as President of the New Castle County Fire Chief’s Association. Ken received his Past President’s badge at the Installation of Officers ceremony held at the Claymont Fire Company on December 14, 2023. At the same ceremony, Holloway Terrace Fire Company Assistant Chief Steve Schenck was installed as Director of the New Castle County Fire Chief’s Association.

- Submitted by Randy Roberts

Page 36, Fire News, February 2024

FireNews.com

Colonial Pipeline Donates to Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Co.

Rickards Sworn in as Secretary of Kent Co. Chiefs Assn.

The Colonial Pipeline Company donated $8300 to Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company for purchase of a new gas meter with calibration equipment and software that can be used with several types of gas meters.

Portable gas meters are essential components of personal protective equipment and incident safety. Gas meters can provide readings that give firefighters warnings when environmental conditions are hazardous to life, including when gas levels have reached lower explosive limits. We thank Colonial Pipeline Company for their support in keeping our firefighters and community safe!

- Submitted by Lawrence Tan

Assistant Chief Michael Rickards of Station 57 was sworn in on December 13, 2023 as Secretary of the Kent County Chiefs Association.

- Submitted by Amand Hudson

Millville Reps Attend Deaf Festival

On November 11, 2023, Vice President and Assistant Chief Guy Rickards attended the 2023 Deaf Festival at the Mariners Bethel Gospel Methodist Church Hope Center in Ocean View. The event was sponsored by the Delaware Deaf Senior Citizens. Many public safety agencies were in attendance making this a great and well

attended event. The Millville Volunteer Fire Company would like to thank the Mariners Bethel Gospel Methodist Church and the Delaware Deaf Senior Citizens for the invitation to this awesome event!

- Submitted by Douglas W. Scott

Holloway Terrace Fire Company Election & Installation

Pig Roast with All the Fixin’s

The Holloway Terrace Fire Company, Number 1, proudly announced the election of the following officers as the company enters its 103rd year of service to the community: President: Thomas M. ‘Mark’ Gott; Vice-President: Melissa Ann Mahoney-Roche.

Directors: Richard F. Weaver, Jr.; Joseph Cochran, Sr.; Eugene Emmell; Fire Chief: Robert Snyder; Deputy Chief: Michael Emmell; 1st Assistant Chief: Steven Schenck; 2nd Assistant Chief: Connor Mahoney.

- Submitted by Randy Roberts

On November 18, 2023, the Salted Rim Restaurant hosted a pig roast to benefit the Millville Volunteer Fire Company Community Hero’s Capital Campaign. The event was well attended by many and a great time was had by all! Millville Firefighter RJ Kauffman, proprietor and owner of RJ’S Boil and BBQ, cooked the pig and the Salted Rim Restaurant prepared all the sides.

- Submitted by Douglas W. Scott

FireNews.com

Fire News, February 2024, Page 37

Millville’s Roger Hitchens An Early Visit from Santa Celebrates His 84th

The Millville Volunteer Fire Company would like to wish pastChief Roger Hitchens a happy 84th birthday. Chief Hitchens has served the MVFC faithfully for 65 years and has been a mentor to many young fire officers and has provided progressive leadership for the MVFC for many years. A birthday parade was held on Central Avenue and included the majority of the MVFC fleet and approximately 20 members. The Ocean View Police Department participated in the parade as well. Happy birthday Roger and THANK YOU for your dedicated service!

- Submitted by Douglas W. Scott

On the evening December 16, 2023, the Millville Volunteer Fire Company held a Christmas Party for its members and their families. The auxiliary prepared a delicious dinner including turkey and ham with all the fixings. Deserts were prepared by our members and spouses and were delicious as well. Santa Claus, after a long trip in windy conditions, arrived after dinner and handed out a few pre-Christmas gifts to all the good boys and girls in attendance. Santa stated, “I am looking forward to seeing all the residents of the Millville fire district starting on Monday evening as I travel throughout this wonderful community.”

- Submitted by Douglas W. Scott

OK After Water Rescue Call On October 30, 2023, at 1226 the Millville Volunteer Fire Company, along with the Southeast Water Rescue Task Force, were dispatched for a water rescue in the area of the Holts Landing State Park, north of Millville. The initial report indicated a male subject in the water having trouble getting back into his boat approximately 2000 feet from the dock. Units arrived to find that the male subject was able to get back into his boat and was no longer in distress. The boat was escorted back to the dock by the crew of Marine 84. Upon arrival at the dock the male subject refused medical evaluation. Units cleared the scene shortly thereafter. Mutual aid was provided by Bethany Beach, Dagsboro, Indian River, Delaware State Police Aviation, Sussex County EMS, DNREC and USCG. Rescue 84, Utility 8411, Command 84-8, Marine 84, Traffic Control 84-13 and Ambulance D84 made the response. Lieutenant Ty Webb had command of the incident.

- Submitted by Douglas W. Scott

Air Boat 57 Goes to Work On October 30, 2023, South Bowers Station 57 was alerted for a distressed boater in a nearby river. With limited dock access to the area, crews responded with Air Boat 57.

- Submitted by Amand Hudson

Page 38, Fire News, February 2024

FireNews.com

Millville Holds 2nd “Down & Dirty” Fire Academy

On December 16, 2023, the Millville Volunteer Fire Company, in conjunction with its neighboring mutual aid companies, held its 2nd “Down & Dirty” Fire Academy at Millville Fire Station 1.

Companies that participated came from Bethany Beach, Dagsboro, Frankford, Georgetown, Millville, Selbyville and Roxana. The purpose of the class was to introduce our entry level members, as well as members wishing a refresher, with basic training in all the core curriculum to be a firefighter. Many of the attendees will be attending Basic Firefighting Skills training in the spring of 2024 at the Delaware State Fire School and we wanted to make sure our members were prepared. We had 18 students and 14 instructors participate in the training. The topics covered were firefighter safety, personal protective gear use, tools, ropes and knots, hydrant opera-

tions, hose and appliances, hose deployment and hose handling, ground ladders, SCBA and forcible entry. Instructors for the class were from the agencies listed above. Millville would like to thank all that attended and instructed this class. We were impressed by the professionalism of the instructors who took their time to pass along to a new generation of firefighters their knowledge and experience.

We were equally impressed by the students that attended. We wish the students a successful and safe fire service career. We would also like to thank Assistant Chief Eddie Hammond, Mr. Bill Bowden, Sr., and Mr. Johnny Stephens for the logistical support provided to make this class a success.

- Photos by MVFC & and Dennis Ayres; submitted by Douglas W. Scott

Millville Attends Cops and Goblins Event

On October 28, 2023, members of the Millville Volunteer Fire Company, including nearly a dozen volunteer, career and fire police staff, attended the Cops and Goblins event at John West Park in Ocean View. Our members interacted with the public providing fire prevention related materials. The little “ghouls and ghosts” were provided candy and treats. We thank the Town of Ocean View for the invitation to this awesome event.

- Submitted by Douglas W. Scott

2024 Officers for Millville

On the evening of December 5, 2023, the Millville Volunteer Fire Company held its annual election of officers for the year 2024.

Congratulations to all the members who will serve the company next year!

Administrative Officers: President Greg Hocker, Vice-President Guy Rickards, Recording Secretary Michele Steffens, Assistant Recording Secretary A.J. Moore, Treasurer Douglas Scott, Financial Secretary MaryEllen Hocker, Fire Recorder Drake Burd, Superintendent of Supplies Bill Bowden, Sr. Operating Officers: Fire Chief Walter Johnson, Chief Engineer Jay Droney, Fire Police Marshall Lewis and Michele Steffens.

Board of Directors: Michael Melson and Clayton West.

- Submitted by Douglas W. Scott

NCCoVFA Auxiliary Annual Dinner

On October 18, 2023, the past Presidents of the New Castle County Volunteer Firefighters Association Auxiliary held their annual dinner at Crabby Dicks in Delaware City.

- Submitted by Carol Walton

Page 40, Fire News, February 2024

Obituaries Holloway Terrace’s William D. Camponelli, Sr.

The Holloway Terrace Fire Company mourned the loss of William D. Camponelli, Sr., on November 25, 2023. He was 57.

William was a very active firefighter in the 80s before moving to Michigan to raise his family. William’s late father and mother, Guido and Diane, as well as his surviving sister Theressa, were also very active with the Holloway Terrace Fire Company and the Ladies Auxiliary.

- Submitted by Randy Roberts

FireNews.com

Holloway Terrace’s Mildred Garcia

Holloway Terrace’s Gerald J. Toner

It is with great and profound sadness that the officers and members of the Holloway Terrace Fire Company and Ladies Auxiliary announced the passing of Mildred “Mil” Garcia (nee Ryan) on November 19, 2023. She was 77.

Mil was an active member of the Holloway Terrace Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary for over 59 years, serving 20 of those years as Ladies Auxiliary President.

Mil has the distinct honor of being selected as the only President Emeritus in the Ladies Auxiliary’s 101-year history.

Our hearts are broken and we will miss her greatly.

- Submitted by Randy Roberts

The Holloway Terrace Fire Company and Ladies Auxiliary mourn the loss of life member Gerald J. ‘Gerry’ Toner, who passed away on November 28, 2023.

Gerry retired in 1992 from the New Castle County Division of Police as a Corporal. He was a regular fixture at the firehouse and we will greatly miss him. Gerry is survived by his wife Gail and their two sons.

- Submitted by Randy Roberts

FireNews.com

Fire News, February 2024, Page 41

Obituaries Aetna’s Ronald A. McLain, Jr.

The Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company offers its deepest sympathy to the family of Life Member Ronald A. McLain, Jr., following his passing on September 7, 2023. He was 80.

Ron was a 1961 graduate of Newark High School and a Life Member of the Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company, where he also served as Treasurer of the organization for 25 years.

- Submitted by Lawrence Tan

Blades’ Jack Chaffinch

Blades Volunteer Fire Company (BVFC) mourns over lost Lifetime Member Jack Chaffinch, who passed away on December 8, 2023. He was 70 years old.

Jack served for 50 years at BVFC and held the position of Chief Engineer for many years. Rest easy, Chief!

- Submitted by Jason Hudson

Millville’s Roy Rickards

It is with deepest regret that the Millville Volunteer Fire Company announces the passing of Life Member Roy Rickards. Rickards, 76, of Frankford, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on December 15, 2023, at Thomas Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia.

Roy was extremely instrumental in the history of our company and will be greatly missed. President Hocker stated, “Please keep the family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in the coming days. May they find peace and comfort at this difficult time, May God bless you all.”

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Roy’s name to the Millville Volunteer Fire Company, 35554 Atlantic Ave., Millville, DE 19967 or the Brandywine Valley SPCA www.bvspca.org.

- Submitted by Douglas W. Scott

Page 42, Fire News, February 2024

FireNews.com

Clayton Fire Company Annual Banquet Clayton, DE During the annual banquet of the Clayton Fire Company held on Saturday December 16, 2023, the company takes

time to honor members who in the past year went above and beyond for the fire company.

- Submitted by Kevin Wilson

Ryan Fedorkowicz Honored as the November Member of the Month

2023 Junior Firefighter of the Year Nathan Reynolds

- Photo by Kevin L. Wilson L to R Vice President Rodney W. Whalen, Ryan Fedorkowicz, and Fire Chief Austin Moorhead.

Life Members Jonathan N. “JJ” Burnett & Kenny Rife

- Photo by Carol Morris L to R Asst. Chief Alex Carrow, Chief Austin Moorhead, Nathan Reynolds, Asst. Chief Ken Getty, and Deputy Chief Jeff Lightcap.

Newly Elected 2024 Administrative Officers

- Photos by Carol Morris Pictured with JJ Burnett L to R President Cheryl Hurlock, Vice President Rodney W. Whalen, JJ Burnett, and Chief Austin Moorhead. Pictured with Kenny Rife L to R President Cheryl Hurlock, Kenny Rife, and Chief Austin Moorhead.

2023 Training Award Alison D. Pedigo - Photo by Gene Shaner Clayton Fire Company Pictured Bottom Left to Right: Director Julie Kelchaner, Director Denys Demczak, President Rodney W. Whalen, and Vice President Cheryl Hurlock. Pictured Top Row Left to Right: Fire Chief Autin Moorhead, Treasurer James L. Cubbage, Jr., Deputy Chief Alex Carrow, and Secretary Ken Virdin.

Newly Elected 2024 Fire Line Officers - Photo by Carol Morris L to R Chief Austin Moorhead, Alison Pedigo, President Cheryl Hurlock, and Vice President Rodney W. Whalen.

2023 Firefighter of the Year

- Photo by Carol Morris L to R Chief Austin Moorhead, Deputy Chief Jeff Lightcap, Mike Wynne, Asst. Chief Alex Carrow, and Asst. Chief Ken Getty.

- Photo by Gene Shaner Clayton Fire Company Bottom Row Left to Right Fire Chief Austn Moorhead, Deputy Chief Alex Carrow, 1st Asst. Chief Robert J. Lightcap, and 2nd Asst. Chief Brian Hunter. Top Row Left to Right EMS Officer Joal Tallhamer, Captain Tim Conrad, Captain Jason Sacco, Chief Engineer Mike Thompson, and Crew Leader Mike Wynne.

FireNews.com

Fire News, February 2024, Page 43

Pioneers of the Delaware Fire Service

Grover Ingle

Writer’s note: “When I owned the Delaware Fire Service News I started a series of articles called the Pioneers of the Delaware Fire Service. I had the honor to interview some of our icons, such as Lou Amabili, Jack Ryan, Norman Tate, Morris King and Joe Hojnicki and others. This story is about another icon whose story I am honored to tell.”

Grover Ingle started in Good Will Fire Company in 1972 at the age of 18. He had hung around the fire house for years because his father was a member and the Chief from 1965 to 1971. They had a junior member program but his father wanted him to focus on his education before joining the fire company. Grover remembers his beginnings in the fire service as a place to, “Meet a lot of friends, get to hang out, go to fires, learn stuff and do things. We grew up together and we enjoyed serving our community.”

Grover was elected Fire Chief in 1982 and served in that capacity for 11 years. He and I talked about large fires when he was Chief. He spoke about the row homes fire in Shaw Town on Gray Street, the Emmanuel Church fire, the Amoco Fire, and the second Davidson Inn Fire, which were the fires that stood out in his mind. He said, “I was fortunate that I got the experience as an officer and as a firefighter. You have to get in and know these structures, you have to learn how they are built and how that fire can travel. The biggest thing back then was void spaces; you don’t have what you have today with nominal lumber. We are living in world of open spaces and lightweight construction. If a fire starts with the furniture and everything, it’s going to spread rapidly. There is nothing you can do.”

When I asked him about what he enjoyed most about being the Fire Chief? He said “Being able to set the direction and get the people on board to make the change that’s right.”

Grover joined the fire marshal’s office in 1990. He grew up through the ranks to become Assistant State Fire Marshall in 2001, a critical year in our country and in the State of Delaware. January 3 was the fire deaths of 11 members of one family in a house fire in Oak Orchard. That fire followed the deaths of five on October 31, 2000, in Broadkill Beach. Those fires started the Wake Up Delaware program and broadcast the message about having working smoke detectors.

Grover said, “As those programs kicked off we started to see those numbers go down but now they are starting to kick back up.”

I asked him how he dealt with those fire deaths.

He said, “As you know, that stuff becomes part of what you do and you just take it on, we just carry it inside because it is our nature of what we do. It becomes part of our everyday norm. But now, it’s a little bit different with the newer people coming in. There are horrific incidents that they are seeing. There are a heck of a lot of things that they have to deal with. We need to make sure we can get help for them.”

October 1 was the Candlelight service in Battery Park for the victims of terrorist attack on September 11.

He said “It was a great service that Chief McDerby and Chief Majewski put together. I thought that was a great event, it was a very poignant event. It brought the community and the fire service together. It was a relief for a lot of people.”

In 2007 Ingle was appointed State Fire Marshal.

What were the challenges your faced? He replied, “The first challenge I faced was to decide what direction I wanted to go in and where we needed to be. I needed to think of where we go from here. Fortunately for me, I was part of the administration, I knew what we were doing and what direction we wanted to go in.

To provide quality investigations and inspections and to keep our programs running. To kind of think about how we move ahead in those directions.”

You were Fire Marshal for 16 years, what do you remember the most? “Good question. What I remember the most is the fact that I have always been fortunate to have good staff on all sides of the agency. They do a tremendous job day-to-day. They don’t always get the recognition they deserve. I never tried to micro manage what they did. I worked though my two assistants. Things have changed over the years and personalities changed over time but still, even with that, they are good people. We’ve come a long way over the 33 years but it’s not necessarily all what I did, it is what the staff did. You can’t move ahead out there without the staff support.”

The fire service in Delaware has dramatically changed in your 50 years, what is the difference meant to you? “I think we are in a different world.

People look at things differently. We live in a technology world. We lose a lot of face-to-face contact and we lose a lot of relationships with people. We used to have enough people who lived close to the firehouse where we would get something out in a decent amount of time.

With the traffic and everything else today we need to have people there, whether volunteer or career. Why they don’t take the duty nights or the duty crews and use it more efficiently, I don’t know. It is almost impossible for people responding from home to get a piece of fire apparatus out in that four- to six-minute period.”

What would tell people who are inquiring about becoming a volunteer firefighter? “It’s a sense of community, you are giving something back to your community. It’s a good career, you can learn a lot and help at lot of people. You are going to someone on their worse day and hopefully you will make it better for them.”

What can we do to recruit more volunteers? “I don’t think we spend enough time telling people what the expectations are. We need to do this more. We are throwing a lot of training at somebody all at one time. I understand it is good to get the training and the certification but is the experience factor lacking in both fire and EMS?” What has the fire service meant to you? “It has meant a lot to me. It has been my whole life, my whole career. It’s been great to me.”

You have been an instructor for many years, what has this meant to you? “It has meant a lot to me because I can pass on my experiences to a new firefighter. I have always tried to pass on to the students my experiences of what I have learned.”

What do you want your legacy to be? “That we made an improvement in fire safety within the State of Delaware.”

At the conclusion of our interview, the said that he has been a small part of the fire service in Delaware. I have worked with him in the classrooms at the Delaware State Fire School. I have watched him stand up and speak at fire service meetings and not just on fire marshal topics. When Grover speaks everyone listens because he has not been a small part but a large and respected part of the Delaware Fire Service.

- Submitted by Warren Jones

Page 44, Fire News, February 2024

FireNews.com

Millsboro Assists Wreaths Across America Millsboro Fire Company assisted Wreaths Across America with placing wreaths at cemeteries honoring our veterans.

- Submitted by Larry Gum

Santa Photo Op Millsboro Fire Company escorted Santa on multiple nights through the neighborhoods in their district, ending at Town Hall where photos with Santa were available.

- Submitted by Larry Gum

Delaware Fire Service Members Visit Florida Debbie and Jim Watson called me a couple of months ago and asked me if I was going to be in Clearwater, Florida, for the IAFC, VCOS Symposium in the Sun and I told them I usually get over for one day while it is on. They asked me if I could be sure that I would get over there as they had a presentation to make to me. I believe it was under DSFCA, PP Brian Reeder that initiated a project of giving each person who served as a Past President of the DSFCA a plaque. I was able to meet up with them on November 10, 2023, in sunny Clearwater for the day to accept the plaque in honor of my service as Past President of the DSFCA, 1984-1985. I was also able to have lunch with Debbie and Jimmy, and Sandy and Les Warrick who were also attending this conference. I also saw Chuck Snyder from Rehoboth in the hallway.

Among the other Delaware Fire Service attending the symposium you can also see that I had the opportunity to talk to Steve ‘Redman’ Maichle, Chief of WMFC and Mike Shaw, WMFC and MFC. Redman was waiting to get on the bus to visit the Pierce plant in Bradenton, which happens every year that the symposium has been in Clearwater. Thanks to all of them for sharing part of their day.

Tom Neary, Dupont and MCFC and I also had the opportunity to have lunch with Lieutenant Jeff Lindell, WFD and President Frank Lindell, Five Points FC while they were on vacation to visit Walt Disney World. Tom had made a purchase of a fundraiser item that the WFD was selling, and Jeff presented that to him. It’s always nice to talk to you all from Delaware when you are down here in sunny Florida. I don’t ask that you buy me lunch or dinner, just the opportunity to spend some time with you and your family and reminisce about old times.

- Submitted by Bob Romig

National Volunteer Fire Council Update CEO Sarah Lee, Deputy CEO Candace McDonald, and Chairman Steve Hirsch would like to wish all the volunteers in Delaware a Happy and Safe New Year.

Membership of the NVFC in late December has reached 34,000 members toward their five-year plan of having a membership of 50,000 members. Delaware Directors Jay Jones and Bill Betts would like to encourage our Delaware delegation to join this association as the more members that they have, the more voice they have in the federal legislature in requesting funding for our departments and FEMA grant funding for AFG and SAFER. Dues are $21 per year, and it includes a $10,000 AD&D policy from Provident. In addition, there are many free

training webinars from Recruitment and Retention, PTSD, Cancer Presumption, to Lithium-Ion Batteries and Hazardous Materials.

The NVFC is having its annual summit in Buffalo, NY on June 21 and 22, 2024, and is offering training stipends to members who qualify.

The focus of the summit is Recruitment and Retention and Firefighter Safety.

The NVFC also provides its membership with a lot of giveaways such as canned water, drip-drop hydration powder, Fire House Coffee, Gear Giveaways, and many other items.

Contact me at 302-535-7080 or Jay Jones at 302-381-9780 if we can be of any assistance.

- Submitted by Bill Betts

FireNews.com

Fire News, February 2024, Page 45

Past Chief Roger Hitchens Receives 65th Year of Service Award

On December 20, 2023, members of the Millville Volunteer Fire Company (MVFC) made a visit to the residence of past Fire Chief Roger Hitchens to present him with several very important awards.

The MVFC presented Chief Hitchens with his 65th Year of Service Award. This award, on behalf of the entire membership, was presented

by President Gregory Hocker and Fire Chief Walter Johnson.

In addition, a State of Delaware Senate Tribute, on behalf of State Senator Gerald Hocker, was presented to Chief Hitchens by the President and son of Senator Hocker, Gregory Hocker.

The Millville VFC cannot understate the contributions of Chief Hitchens to the development and growth of the MVFC throughout the years. Chief Hitchens, throughout the years, held many administrative and fire line officers positions, including the Office of Fire Chief for many years. Chief Hitchens was known for his no nonsense and decisive fire ground command presence being one of the best fireground

commanders anywhere. In addition, Chief Hitchens was a stern, but fair leader, and was respected by all who had the privilege to know and work with him. Chief Hitchens is a true example of what a fire chief should strive to be.

Chief Walter Johnson commented, “His impact through the years has guided us to where we are today as a company and that will never be forgotten.” Chief Johnson also said, “It was great to see the membership turn out in numbers and support this great man”.

Congratulations past Chief Roger Hitchens, and thank you for 65 years of dedicated service to the community and the MVFC! Thank you also to the Ocean View Police Department and the Town of Ocean View for supporting the MVFC in this important ceremony.

- Photos by Coastal Point Newspaper, Tony Petralia Jr. and MVFC; Submitted by Doug Scott

Wreaths Across America Station 57 (South Bowers) hopes you had a very Happy and FIRE SAFE Christmas. Fire prevention is a gift that NEVER goes out of season. Fire Police Captain (57-30) Charles Evans and Firefighter Donna Sivley (57 Secretary) placed pine wreaths at the Delaware Veterans Cemetery in Millsboro on December 16, 2023, Helping the Wreaths Across America Organization.

- Submitted by Donna Sivley

Millville’s “Tanker 84”

The Millville Volunteer Fire Company announces the arrival of our Sussex County Council and our local towns of Millville and Ocean new “Tanker 84”. The MVFC would like to thank the community View for their continued support of our operations. The new tanker for all their support and donations that have made this new unit a was a projected to have been service b Friday December 29th, 2023. reality. In addition, we would like to thank the State of Delaware, - Photos by the MVFC and Tony Petralia Jr., Submitted by Doug Scott

Page 46, Fire News, February 2024

FireNews.com

Millville Officers for 2024

The Millville Volunteer Fire Company would like to congratulate the appointed operating officers for the Year 2024. Chief Walter Johnson made the following appointments which take effect January 1st, 2024. The list below includes the elected operating officers as well.

Fire Chief Walter Johnson Deputy Fire Chief Paul Sterling Assistant Fire Chiefs Ty Webb, Guy Rickards, Asher ‘Eddie’ Hammond and Jack ‘Jackie’ Wilson Captains Douglas Scott and Andrew Klink

Lieutenants Max Stong and Noah Wharton Chief Engineer Jay Droney Safety Officer A.J. Moore Fire Police Captain Bill Bowden Sr. Dispatcher 1 Drake Burd Fire Police Greg Tietmeyer, Earl Green, Marshall Lewis, Michele Steffens, Bob Steffens, Garland Saville and Sean Suter.

Congratulations to all, have a great year!

- Submitted by Doug Scott

LFD Presents Fire Prevention Poster and Essay Award On November 19, 2023, the Laurel Fire Department held their annual awards program for the Fire Prevention Poster and Essay Contest.

Pictured are: Front row: Beau Willey, Adelyn Horsey, Bryleigh Denham, Amelia Drummond, Addyson Mackert, Maverick Collins, Elise Hershey and Serenity Reynolds. Second row: Mark Oliphant, Fire Prevention Chairman, Larry Lembeck, Charli Evans, Adaleigh Bounds, Taygen Cooper, Maci Passwaters, Sawyer Kulha and Lyla Reese.

- Submitted by Michael Lowe

Fire Commission Introduces K-9 Companion Ajax is a two-year-old lab-golden retriever cross, specially bred and trained by Canine Companions, the nation’s first and largest service dog organization. Ajax has been expertly trained and is trustworthy in a professional environment. He can perform over 40 advanced commands and will soon be well-known throughout the community as part of fire safety discussions in schools, and as a comfort to victims of fires. A Canine Companions facility dog is trained to perform service dog commands including picking up items, opening doors and providing a calming presence. Facility dogs can use their advanced skills to enhance therapies, promote participation, and reduce anxiety in stressful environments. Ajax is bred to be calm, reliable, and affectionate.

- Submitted by Michael Lowe

Lt. Governor Hall-Long Makes Presentation for Fire Prevention Week At the annual Conference Luncheon of the Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association on September 15, 2023, Delaware’s Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long made a presentation of a proclamation to recognize Fire Prevention Week 2023 across Delaware.

The presentation was made to DVFA officers, 2nd Vice-President Tom DiCristofaro, 1st Vice-President Ron O’Neal and President Ken Ryder, proclaiming “Cooking Safety starts with you. Pay attention to Fire Prevention.”

- Submitted by Michael Lowe

Sussex County Firefighters Association Presents 2023 Fire Prevention Awards On November 28, 2023, the Sussex County Volunteer Firefighters Association held its annual Fire Prevention Poster and Essay Awards ceremony at their monthly meeting hosted by the Laurel Fire Department. Students are assigned topics pertaining to Fire Prevention by their grade level.

Then students kindergarten through grade 3 prepare a poster. Students grade 4 through 8 prepare an essay.

Pictured: First row: Samuel Hevner, Lyra Reese, Delany McCowan, Janilet Ramirez Agostini, Madison Adams, Addyson Mackert, and Lily Armstrong-Watts.

Second row: Luke Cannon Countryman, Annie Warfel, Elise Burns, Bennett Bekeshka, Jade Sandoval-Hernandez, and Chase Kinsell.

Third Row: Adaleigh Bounds, Annalise Lloyd, Gary Shepard III, MaKenna Collins, Sofia Beranza, Oliver Swartzentruber, Ty’Asia Hagans and Kobe Bell.

Fourth Row: Cameron Wynn, Lyla Reese, Aliviah Lankford, Emerson Reid, Tanner Kintzand Kyle Bloc.

- Submitted by Michael Lowe