New Engine from Pierce forRBVFC Pit Road FFDuty at NASCAR

Apit road firefightergets ready to go to work during the recent May NASCAR race at Dover MotorSpeedway.

- Submitted by Terry Whitham

3 Aetna Members Graduate from Fire Academy

- Submitted by Chuck Snyder

Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company (RBVFC) President Mike Simpler signed a contract on April 7, 2023, at Station 2 forthe purchase of a new engine from Pierce Mfg. in Appleton, Wisconsin. The new unit will be an Enforcercab like the company currently has, with a 2000-gpm pump, 750 -gallon tank on a short wheelbase. The unit will replace the ContenderEngine at Station 1 Downtown. A 36-month delivery time is expected.

Witzke Named AHHLFebruary Volunteerof the Month

John R. Witzke was recognized as the Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder(AHHL) Company Volunteerof the Month forFebruary 2023 at the monthly company meeting. John returned to Aetna as an active memberduring the past yearfollowing his retirement from Kent County (DE) as a paramedic. Overthe past year, he has dedicated countless hours to functions, events, training and staffing crews. His return to active participation as an apparatus operator, firefighter and mentorto some of the newermembers has been a significant benefit to company operations. However, he has also volunteered to assume a leadership role in the fire company’s EMS operations as an EMS Lieutenant this year.

- Submitted by Lawrence Tan

Remembering Bill Holena

Three members of Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company graduated from the Wilmington Fire Department 42nd Recruit Academy on March 25, 2023. Dean Lambropoulos, Dylan Cronin and Robert Alscher, pictured with Aetna Deputy Chief A. J. Schall (left), have joined the ranks of the Wilmington Fire Department and the many Aetna members who have committed themselves to public service careers.

- Submitted by Lawrence Tan

Girl Scouts Visit Aetna

Girl Scout Troop 599 recently visited the Aetna Hose, Hook and LadderCompany to learn more about fire safety and the services provided by theirlocal fire company. They even had a chance to meet some women role models who serve the community as members of the company.

- Submitted by Lawrence Tan

Opening Day at Newark American

- Submitted by Lawrence Tan

Members of Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company joined the family of William ‘Bill’ Holena at a dedication ceremony at the Canal Little League fields in Glasgow. Bill Holena was a memberof Aetna who served on the Board of Directors. Active in his community, Bill was also a coach with the Canal Little League and served on the league Board of Directors. Bill died in February 2021 at the age of 43.

Leavery Named Aetna Volunteer of the Month forMarch 2023

Chief Steve Gallaherrecognized Firefighter Josh Leavery as the Volunteerof the Month for March 2023. Josh was cited forhis leadership in recruiting members forvarious overnight crews at Station 10 (Old County Road), while managing a grueling academic and athletic schedule at Wilmington University. He also continues to assist otherstations with crew coverage. Josh uses his time in the station to engage in vehicle maintenance, working with the Assistant Chief, Chief Engineerand Maintenance Division to complete minorrepairs to ourapparatus. He also mentors newermembers and familiarizes them with ourpolicies and procedures. In short, FirefighterLeavery will accept a ny task, provide whateverassistance is needed, and consistently demonstrates active participation and engagement in fulfilling our mission of “Service forOthers.”

- Submitted by Lawrence Tan

- Submitted by Lawrence Tan