Serving DELAWARE Serving Fire, Rescue
VOLUME 24, NO. 4
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Fire,Serving Rescue & EMS Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes & EMS Heroes Heroes Since 1973 Since 1996 1973 AUGUST 2021
See story on page 13. - Fire News photo by Chaplain Andy Stevens
DVFA/LADVA 100th Anniversary Conference Info See pages 6 & 12
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Fire News, August 2021, Page 3
In this issue... Laurel Structure Fire On June 5, 2201, Laurel, Blades and Georgetown were alerted for a structure fire in the area of Beaver Dam Branch Road. See story on page 9
MVA with Entrapment On July 10, 2021, Hockessin responded to a two-vehicle MVA with entrapment in Wellington Hills. See story on page 16
Sussex County EMS Hosts Ribbon Cutting A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held celebrating the grand opening of the new Medic 110/EMS 200 station. See story on page 30
Holloway Terrace at Rosegate Community Day Holloway Terrace members participated in the Rosegate Community Day event on July 10, 2021. See story on page 38
Reverend Dr. Lawrence Jameson Honored The Harrington Fire Company presented Reverend Dr. Lawrence ‘Larry’ Jameson with his Life Membership. See story on page 41
Obituaries Harrington’s Robert E. Taylor Elsmere’s, Wilmington’s Michael R. Schaal Blades’ Wayne Chaffinch Harrington’s Augusta Ann Lindale See story on pages 42 & 43
An independently owned news and information resource for the dedicated firefighters, emergency medical technicians, auxiliary members, and public safety officials in the State of Delaware. Thanks to the support of its advertisers, this newspaper is distributed free of charge to every fire station in the First State. Published bi-monthly by Fire News, Inc., 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713. Delaware Fire Service News is a registered trademark and all material contained herein is copyrighted. All rights reserved.
Frank C. Trotta, Publisher Tim Edwards, Executive Editor Dennis Whittam, Editor Gary Joyce, Managing Editor Marie Trotta, Vice President, Production/Sales Cliff Chiesa, Art Director Barbara Connolly, Director of Sales & Marketing Bryan Lopez, Editorial Assistant Greg Jones, Lynn Sedler Graphic Artists 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 ADVERTISING: Rate card and marketing information are available on request. To advertise call 631-776-0500 x111 or email Tim@FireNews.com. We reserve the right to reject, edit, or decline to publish any advertising material submitted. Deadline for ads is the 15th of the month prior to the month of publication. NEWS: News items about fire, rescue, and EMS activities in our coverage area are welcome. Contact us at 631-776-0500 x111 or email: Tim@FireNews.com. Deadline for news is the 15th of the month prior to the month of publication. Material submitted is subject to editing and cannot be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. SUBSCRIPTIONS: All fire stations in Delaware receive a sufficient number of copies for their personnel. Those wishing to receive direct delivery may subscribe for $25.00 per year, paid in advance to Delaware Fire Service News, 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
Index of Advertisers AdvantEdge Healthcare ............. 4
Hanover Fairs Intershutz ......... 17
ASI ............................................ 13
Project Lakeview ....................... 23
PLUS:
AT&T First Net ...................... 7, 26
Provident Insurance ................. 13
Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4 Looking Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 26 Service Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 37 Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 34 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 45 Fire Marshal’s Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 46 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 46 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 46
Atlantic Emergency Solutions ....................... 5, 19, 24, 25, 35, 47
Roll N Rack ............................... 21
DPC ................................. 2, 29, 48 ESI .............................................. 9 Fire, Rescue & EMS Today Podcast ..................................... 41
Rush Uniforms ........................... 9 Sutphen ..................................... 11 Terry Farrell ........................... Firefighters Fund .................... 43 VCI ............................................ 15
Page 4, Fire News, August 2021
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Can You Handle the Challenging Call? This past month has presented the fire service with several calls that have challenged our first responders. The calls made me think about our new officers, firefighters and EMTs, who may find themselves involved with a serious call that they think they could handle. My question to you is, “Are you prepared to handle the challenging call?” Recently, a cemetery worker in my area was killed as he was working in a trench and the sidewall of the trench collapsed, burying the worker in 18 inches of dirt. As the first arriving unit, what would you and your crew do? Immediately, you should be thinking, “trench rescue.” Are you aware, trench walls can collapse in 1/10 of a second? When the walls collapse, the earth moves at approximately 40 mph. Guess what? You do not have a chance of getting out of its way. A single cubic foot of dirt weighs 100 pounds. A cubic yard weighs 3000 pounds. As firefighters, we must discipline ourselves to back off and wait for a technical rescue team to arrive to the scene. Sadly, the buried worker lost his life
and the scene quickly became a recovery effort. This month, there was a serious propane incident on Long Island (New York). Two workers were refilling propane cylinders when something went wrong. The two workers were seriously burned and needed to be quickly transported to a burn unit. On Long Island, we are very lucky to have two stateof-the-art burn units. Nassau County has the Nassau University Medical Center and Suffolk County has the Burn Center at Stony Brook University Medical Center. Once you arrive on scene, would you know how to handle a seriously burned patient? I had one fire in my career that I still have thoughts about. It was one of those incidents that, when you close your eyes, you can visualize the patients uncontrollably shaking as their skin was falling off of their bodies. I was part of the ambulance crew that horrible night. Fortunately, our EMT was experienced and knew how to prepare the patient for transport to Stony Brook Medical Center. Every year, the Suffolk County Volunteer Firefighters Burn Center holds a recognition
day. Several of the doctors talk about the newest equipment and innovations, the nurses of the unit are honored, and checks are presented to the unit from fundraisers held by our junior groups and various firematic organization. My advice to everyone — go to this event! Finally, as firefighters, most of us feel confident that we can handle any job that comes our way. The truth is you may not be able to handle some calls as safely as you think. Please take the time to review the courses offered at your fire academy and enroll in Technical Rescue Courses and Rapid Intervention Classes. Take the time to investigate your Burn Center. Meet with the staff of well-qualified personnel and ask questions on handling a serious burn victim. Who knows, the person you save, could be a member of your own company. - Dennis
Page 6, Fire News, August 2021
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Serving Delaware’s First Responders Since 1921
DVFA Office DVFA Conference: The DVFA/LADVFA Conference will be at the Chase Center in Wilmington’s Waterfront. All conference forms are on the website. The Chiefs meeting will be at Mill Creek. You will need to register so they can have a head count. DVFA Workshop: There will be a DVFA Workshop at the Conference on Wednesday, September 15 at 1300. The workshop will deal with the items from the Recruitment and Retention Task Force and how it will affect each fire company. It is important that some representative from each company will be there.
Legislative Items: All our bills except the tax increase passed the General Assembly. We will go over them at the DVFA meeting at the conference. 100th Anniversary Books and Coins: The 100th Anniversary Books and Coins are in. They will be sold at the Conference. Radios: Another $4 million has been set aside for replacement radios. It will work similar to the distribution this year. You will be notified when they are purchased and ready for distribution. Executive Manager: I will be stepping down from this position effective March 2022.
A committee will be appointed soon to advertise for my replacement. Coronavirus: The Coronavirus has reared up again. It is important if your members are not vaccinated that you encourage them to do so. If the DVFA Office can be of any assistance to you for any of your needs please contact us. Thank you for what you do and stay safe! Warren Jones, Executive Manager wjones@dvfassn.com 302-535-4566 (cell) 302-734-9404 (fax)
DVFA President by Norman Jones Jr., President, DVFA I want to take this opportunity to invite everyone to our D V FA / L A D V FA Conference at the Chase Center in Wilmington. The Riverfront, where the conference is being held, offers some new things to do and places to visit. The conference committee has worked extra hard this year to provide a safe and productive conference. All the information on how to register is on the DVFA website, DVFASSN.com. Even if you’re not an alternate or delegate you can still attend events and seminars. There are a lot of opportunities at the conference for you to join
us such as the opening ceremonies, the memorial service, the seminars and also visiting our vendors. We will have the DVFA 100th anniversary books and coins available. It will be a good time of learning and fellowship. This year we’ve had a successful session in legislative hall whether it is fighting off bills that would negatively affect the fire service, passing new legislation to benefit the fire service or obtaining over $12 million in funding. I want to thank those members who have been involved through this legislative process. There have been several members who have worked on committees, served on the Recruitment and Retention Task force or had daily interactions with legislators. I thank them for their contribution. For years now we have faced financial difficulties when it comes to EMS and career
staffing in our firehouses. There have been multiple committees in years past, on how we can try to resolve these issues but most have been unsuccessful. With the economy turning like it is, the cost of living going up, and the raising of minimum wage, we need to find a way to take care of our staff. We’re at the point where we have front line emergency workers that will be making the same as entry level positions in low paying businesses. In my opinion this is totally unacceptable. We not only need to start these talks now but come up with a workable solution to this and other financial issues. Thank you all for you continued support and I hope to see you at the conference!
LADVFA Corner by Karen Workman, President LADVFA Summer sure has arrived with a BANG! I hope everyone is enjoying the sunshine while staying safe from the
heat and humidity. Everything is starting to open up again and we are (hopefully) getting back to a new normal. Normally, I would be able to write about events that have happened and goals we have accomplished. But with so little happening, it would be a repeat of my last article.
Something that has been on my mind lately is membership. Unfortunately, many of our roles are shrinking. This is happening on the fire side as well. With so many other activities and responsibilities in life, volunteering is not a high priority. What must we do to help our Auxiliary/Fire ranks grow? What can we do to show the benefits of joining the LADVFA and DVFA? The Recruitment and Retention committee has been tasked with this job. They are working to find ways to help sustain our volunteer fire service. They have been working with legislators to increase the tax credit, etc. But, what can we, as auxiliaries and members do to
help bring folks into our volunteer service? What can we do to keep our members interested? These are questions we need to answer to help keep our auxiliaries going. Congratulations to the Milton Fire Company and Milton Auxiliary on the celebration of 120 years of service to their community and thank you for the invitation to your celebration. The Conference committee continues to work on the upcoming conference. I look forward to seeing everyone there. Enjoy the rest of your summer and stay safe!
Page 8, Fire News, August 2021
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Vacant House Burns North of Laurel A suspicious fire took place on the afternoon of July 18, 2021, north of Laurel. The Laurel and Bladesfire departments and Sussex County EMS were alerted for a house fire on Bethel Road, west of Seaford Road, at approximately 1600. Laurel Chief Jeff Hill responded as 81 Command to find a 2-1/2 story, balloon construction house, which had been vacant for some time, fully involved. Unit 81-4 arrived with Captain Zac Lecates. Engine Tanker 71-2 arrived and set up supply and also protected exposures. Units remained on scene for approximately an hour and then the scene was turned over to the Delaware State Fire Marshal. - Submitted by Michael W. Lowe
Carlisle Arson Carlisle responded to an intentionally set house fire and an extremely hot and humid day. - Photo by Chaplain Andy Stevens; submitted by Ryan Knowles
Clutter Slows Fire Ops On June 11, 2021, at 1546, the Wilmington Fire Department responded to West 4th Street for a report of smoke coming from a residence. On arrival, Engine 6 and Ladder 2 found smoke showing from the front of a two-story residential dwelling. Engine 6 stretched a handline into the structure and quickly located fire in the basement. Operations were slowed due to a high volume of belongings blocking the first floor and basement stair access. Ladder 2 was able to complete a rapid search of the residence and verified all occupants were out. The fire was contained to the basement and Battalion Chief Richard Danner placed the situation under control at 1601. - Submitted by Matthew Marsella
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Fire News, August 2021, Page 9
Laurel Structure Fire On June 5, 2201, shortly after midnight the Laurel Fire Department, along with Blades and Georgetown, were alerted for a structure fire in the area of Beaver Dam Branch Road and Sycamore Road. Chief Jeff Hill responded as 81 Command and arrived to find fire showing on C side on the house. Due to poor structural conditions of the vacant structure, command ordered a defensive attack. Fire crews monitored the house and cooled down the surroundings. - Story & photo by Trevor Chaffinch; submitted by Michael W. Lowe
Page 10, Fire News, August 2021
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Simonds Gardens House Fire Holloway Terrace Fire Company units, along with mutual aid companies, worked a residential structure fire in the 200 block of Pilgrim Road in Simonds Gardens. - Submitted by Randy Roberts
Ladder Assist by Brandywine Hundred On May 22, 202 at 1645, Brandywine Hundred Fire, along with area companies, was dispatched to a multi-residential structure fire in the 1200 block of Terra Hill Drive in the Lighthouse Hill Apartments complex. Units arrived to find fire through the roof. Ladder 17 set up for aerial master stream on the A/D corner. Units were on scene for several hours. - Photo courtesy of FPFC and Frank Martin, Jr.; submitted by Charles Hayes
Pole Barn Fully Involved on Arrival
On July 5, 2201, at approximately 1222, Station 81 was alerted for a vehicle fire. While responding, EOC advised 81 Command (Assistant Chief Givens) that they were upgrading the call to a structure fire. Delmar and Sharptown were added for mutual aid. Assistant Chief Chaffinch (81-17) arrived and found a pole barn fully involved. Assistant Chief Givens (81-18) assumed command of the incident and 81-17 was made the operations officer. Engine 81-4 placed two handlines in service, and 81-3 laid a supply line from the roadway. Crews from 81-4 and 81-3 made quick work knocking down the bulk of the fire. Crews from Delmar, Sharptown and 81-5 assisted with the overhaul and mop up. Blades provided cover up to Station 81, Mardela Springs provided an ambulance standby, and Sussex County EMS assisted in rehab. - Story by FF Trevor Chaffinch; submitted by Michael W. Lowe
Woman Rescued at Wilmington Fire On June 11, 2021, the Wilmington Fire Department responded to West Street for a residential structure fire with entrapment. Squad 4 and Ladder 1 units responded and on arrival, found fire conditions from the first floor at the front door of a twostory semi-detached residence. Members quickly extinguished the fire, containing damage to the front of the home and aggressively searched the residence for the occupant. Ladder 1 Firefighter Mitchell Lehman ran to the rear of the structure with ground ladders and found a neighbor assisting the resident out of the firstfloor-rear door and assisted in the removal of the resident. The occupant and neighbor were assessed by EMS and had no injuries. No other residents were found in the structure and Incident Commander Captain Andrew Cavanaugh placed the situation under control. - Submitted by John Looney
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Cover Story
Carlisle, Frederica Handle 3-Car MVA
Carlisle responded to a three-vehicle MVA with a subject trapped. They were assisted by the Frederica Fire Company. - Photo by Chaplain Andy Stevens; submitted by Ryan Knowles
Page 14, Fire News, August 2021
And to Top it Off … Damaged Hoses Just after 1400 on June 6, 2021, Station 16, along with mutual aid units, was dispatched to the 1000 block of South Grant Avenue for a house fire. Engine 16, Ladder 16, the chief and deputy all made the response. Engine and Ladder 16 arrived to find smoke showing. Crews found a kitchen fire which was quickly extinguished and the kitchen was opened up and checked for extension. (PSA to all civilians: If the fire department has hose in the street, please do not run it over it! Two different departments suffered damaged hose by vehicles at this incident.) - Story by Mark Facciolo; submitted by Frank Maule
Arson in Carlisle
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Barn Fire
Ladder 19 (pictured) and Tanker 19 assisted Kennett Square (PA) Fire Company on a barn fire on McFarlan Road in Kennett Township on July 5, 2021. - Photo from Kennett FC Facebook Page; submitted by Mark Felicetti
Ag Structure Fire
Station 47 units operating at a July 4, 2021, agricultural structure fire on Andrewille Road. Stations 50, 78, and KM8 assisted. - Submitted by Tom Williams Carlisle responded to intentionally set fire in an occupied apartment complex. Assisting were Houston and Frederica. - Photo by Chaplain Andy Stevens; submitted by Ryan Knowles
Harrington and Mutual Aid Respond to House Fire On July 17, 2021, at 2127, as members were just finishing up a benefit for past-Chief Jimmy Green the station, along with Greensboro, Farmington and Greenwood, were alerted for a house fire in the 1200 Block of Ingram Branch Road. Clayton had just cleared the station for the cover-up assignment and responded. Units arrived to find a single-story residence with fire in the crawl space, which happened after the residence had been struck by lightning. Crews placed one line in service and quickly extinguished the fire. Officer in charge: Assistant Chief Jeff Outten. - Submitted by Earl Brode
Ladder 17 Covers for Wilmington
June 23, 2021, Ladder 17 covered Wilmington Fire Station 1 around 1720 while they operated on a working house fire on North Franklin Street. Ladder 17 returned to quarters in about an hour. - Submitted by Charles Hayes
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Holloway Terrace Fire Company units quickly knocked down a kitchen fire in the Collins Park neighborhood. - Submitted by Randy Roberts
Fire News, August 2021, Page 15
Quick Stop in Collins Park
Page 16, Fire News, August 2021
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MVA with Entrapment
On July 10, 2021, Hockessin responded to a two-vehicle MVA with entrapment in Wellington Hills. One patient was flown to CER by DSP Trooper 2. HFC was assisted by Avondale (PA), Cranston Heights, and Mill Creek along with NCC Paramedics. - Photo courtesy of Avondale FC; submitted by Mark Felicetti
2 Injured in Rollover Just after 0700 on June 13, 2021, Elsmere Rescue Engine 16 and A-16 along with the Talleyville Fire Company and New Castle County Paramedics were alerted to Kennett Pike and Montchanin Road for an MVA with rollover. Units en route were advised of one subject trapped. Units arrived to negative entrapment, but one patient in serious condition. Two patients were transported to the trauma center by A-16 and C-25 along with ALS units. - Story by Mark Facciolo; submitted by Frank Maule
Car into Structure Carlisle responded to an MVA with a vehicle into a structure. - Photo by Chaplain Andy Stevens; submitted by Ryan Knowles
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Fire News, August 2021, Page 17
Carlisle MVA with Entrapment
Carlisle responded to single-car MVA with entrapment on Kings Highway. - Photo by Chaplain Andy Stevens; submitted by Ryan Knowles
MVA with Rollover Early on July 15, 2021, the ambulance, rescue/engine and chief along with ALS responded to an MVA with rollover in the 1000 block of Montgomery Road. One patient remained in the vehicle until the rescue/engine could stabilize the vehicle and safely remove the patient. - Story by Mark Facciolo; submitted by Frank Maule
Page 18, Fire News, August 2021
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Busy Days in Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach assisted Lewes with a multi-vehicle MVA at Dartmouth Road and Coastal Highway on July 8, 2021. - Submitted by Chuck Snyder
One person was trapped in a two-vehicle MVA on Coastal Highway and the Tanger Outlet entrance, north of Rehoboth Beach on July 10, 2021, at approximately 1730. One other person was also injured with both being transported to Beebe Medical Center in Lewes. Traffic on the busy Coastal Highway was backed up for over an hour as Rehoboth Beach firefighters and Sussex County paramedics, cleared the wreck. Lewes assisted with an ambulance. - Submitted by Chuck Snyder
Rehoboth Beach responded to a porch floor collapse on Read Street in Dewey Beach on May 31, 2021. Two women were transported to Beebe Medical Center in Lewes with injuries and one died the next day. Dewey Beach Police were investigating. - Submitted by Chuck Snyder
Rehoboth Beach responded to a single-vehicle overturn south of Dewey Beach on Coastal Highway at Key Box Road, on June 26, 2021. The patient was self-extricated from the SUV upon arrival and was transported to Beebe Medical Center in Lewes. - Submitted by Chuck Snyder
Rehoboth Beach members responded to a single-vehicle MVA in which the car hit a front porch at a residence in Angola Beach on June 29, 2021. One patient was transported to Beebe Medical Center in Lewes. - Submitted by Chuck Snyder
Two people were injured and transported to Beebe Medical Center in Lewes as a result of a two-vehicle MVA on John J. Williams Highway and Warrington Road on July 11, 2021. Rehoboth Beach units and Sussex County Paramedics were on scene for approximately 45 minutes clearing the incident. - Submitted by Chuck Snyder
Page 20, Fire News, August 2021
Blades Car vs. House
Blades Fire along with Sussex County Paramedics and Delaware State Police Aviation (Trooper 2) were alerted for an MVA car versus house on Bethel Concord Road. - Submitted by Jason Hudson
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Laurel Woman Escapes Injury in MVA
On the morning of July 9, 2021, at approximately 0600, the Laurel Fire Department and SCEMS were alerted for an MVA on BiState Boulevard just north of St. George’s Road. Assistant Chief Brandon Givens responded as 81 Command. A-81 and Tower 81 arrived to find a vehicle with severe damage and a pickup overturned. The crew from A-81 discovered there were no injuries despite heavy damage to both vehicles. - Submitted by Michael W. Lowe
Hazmat Incident on I-95
3 Injured in South DuPont Highway 3-Car
The New Castle County HazMat Team requested assistance from the Kent County Team, for a n MVA on I-95 northbound near Airport Road, involving a tractor trailer, a pickup truck pulling an enclosed trailer the was placarded for organic peroxide. The victim in the pickup truck had to be extricated. It was reported that the cargo trailer contained a chemical that needed to be kept at a controlled temperature. After the victim was extricated and removed, the OIC determined that chemical may be volatile, and implemented an 800-foot perimeter, and moved all resources out of the hot zone. While there, 54-2 was used a nearby hydrant to supply water to Christiana’s Engine 6, which was the attack/suppression pumper for the blitz fire monitor. - Submitted by Barry Laise
On June 17, 2021, at 1301, the Harrington Fire Company, Farmington Fire (Rescue Assist), Kent County EMS and Delaware State Police Aviation were dispatched to an MVA with subjects trapped at the intersection of South DuPont Highway and Tower Hill Road. Units arrived to find a three-vehicle accident with three subjects injured and negative entrapment. EMS crews began treating the injured subjects and firefighters checked the vehicles for any hazards. All three subjects were transported by ambulance to local hospitals for treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. The scene was then placed under control and turned over to the Delaware State Police. Units on scene: Ambulances B-50 and C-50, Rescue 50, Rescue 47, Engine 50-1, Harrington PD, DSP, Fire Police and Del-Dot. Officer in charge: Deputy Chief Kenny Brode. - Submitted by Earl Brode
Fatality at Kirkwood Hwy. MVA On May 29, 2021, just before 1600, Elsmere Rescue-Engine 16 and A-16 responded to Kirkwood Highway/Tamarrack Avenue for an MVA. Units arrived to find a single vehicle versus a light pole. A front seat passenger in the vehicle was found to be in cardiac arrest and CPR efforts were immediately started. Three additional patients were also transported to area hospitals by A-17 (Five Points) and C-14 (Cranston Heights) along with New Castle County Paramedics. Despite efforts of those on scene, the front seat passenger was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. - Submitted by Frank Maule
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Tornado Touches Down in Harrington
On July 1, 2021, the Harrington and surrounding areas were hit with severe thunderstorms including heavy rains and high winds. At 1656 the Harrington Fire Company was alerted for an electrical hazard on South DuPont Highway in the area of Tower Hill Road. While responding units were advised that the Kent County 911 was taking multiple calls about a tornado touching down south of Harrington. Units arrived to find damage to a commercial building and a tree into a residence. There were also several reports of wires down and trees across the roadway on South DuPont Highway, Tower Hill Road, State Fair Boulevard and Farmington Road.
Command requested that Farmington Fire Company be alerted to assist. During the incident no injuries were reported. Units remained on scene clearing debris from the roadways and removing the fallen trees. Units on scene: 50 Command, Ambulance A-50, Engine 50-1, Engine 50-5, Brush 50, Rescue 47, Light Units 47-7, Fire Police, Del-Dot, DSP, Harrington Police, Kent County Code Enforcement and Kent County Department of Public Safety. Officer in charge: Chief Robbie Brode. - Submitted by Earl Brode
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Medical Assist on Bike Trail
On June 18, 2021, Five Points and Goodwill fire companies were alerted for an unknown medical problem on the Jack A. Markell Trail. Goodwill units located a male with medical issues on the trail near Boulden Boulevard. Goodwill’s ambulance transported the individual to the Medical Center for further evaluation. B18, QRS18, Gator 18, TSU17, Gator 17, A17 and Duty Officer 17 all made the response. Five Points and Goodwill run dual response for calls on the trail due to callers sometimes being unfamiliar with their exact location if they have an emergency. - Submitted by Charles Hayes
Another Bike Trail Response
About 1245 on July 5, 2021, Gator 17 responded along with QRS 18 (Goodwill) and A20 (Holloway Terrace) to assist with an injured bicyclist on the Jack A. Markell Trail in the area just south of the Christina River Bridge. Gator 17 assisted the crew from QRS 18 loading the patient and transported them to A20 which was stand-
ing by near the Baylor’s Women’s Prison. Gator 17 the transported the patient’s bicycle to Station 18 (Goodwill). Five Points and Goodwill have a dual response agreement to respond to incidents on the trail between Wilmington and New Castle. - Submitted by Charles Hayes
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Tornado Tosses Tree into Trailer
Station 47 responded to a tree into a trailer on July 1, 2021, after a tornado passed through the area. - Submitted by Tom Williams
Holloway Terrace Dive Team Assists in Search
On June 15, 2021, at 2240, the Holloway Terrace Fire Company Dive Team was dispatched to assist Felton (Kent County) on an inland water rescue for a missing swimmer. Units searched the murky waters for over six hours, finding no trace of the missing subject, who was subsequently recovered the following day by DSP and DNREC crews. - Submitted by Randy Roberts
1st PWC Save by RBVFC
Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company (RBVFC) had their first PWC (personal water craft) save on July 13, 2021, off of Dewey Beach. A citizen reported a float in the ocean about a half-mile off the beach and thought there might be people in it. RBVFC launched one of their PWCs and recovered a very patriotic float with no one aboard. - Submitted by Chuck Snyder
Fire News, August 2021, Page 23
FOUNDATION TO HONOR FALLEN RESPONDERS BY CREATING DREAMS FOR THEIR FAMILIES Wilmington Delaware firefighter Adam Risden recently established a charitable foundation to honor three fellow WFD firefighters who perished as the result of a row house fire on September 24, 2016. Project Lakeview Inc. recognizes the Line of Duty Deaths of Captain Chris Leach, Lieutenant Jerry Fickes and Lieutenant Ardy Hope, killed in a purposely-set fire on Lakeview Road, in Canby Park Estates. Project Lakeview pays tribute to first responders killed in the line of duty, by giving dream experiences to the families of fallen heroes. We believe “Honoring the Dreams of the Fallen” is an excellent way to recognize first responders who made the supreme sacrifice. Firefighter Risden said the foundation strives to create a networked community to foster the bonds of surviving family members, helping establish and support lifelong connections. The memories created for the families will last forever and help begin the healing process. Project Lakeview is an approved 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and all donations are deductible, supporting the mission of creating dreams. Individuals or groups that wish to support the work of the foundation, while paying tribute to our fallen first responders, can visit ProjectLakeview.org or call Adam Risden at 609-361-4271.
Page 26, Fire News, August 2021
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Looking Back Carlisle — 2015
Selbyville — 2015
On April 16, 2015, the Carlisle Fire Company was dispatched to a reported school bus accident at the intersection of South Dupont Highway and Fitzgerald’s Road with a dump truck versus three school buses. Rescue 42 found the children of one of the buses had already been evacuated and the other two had no children aboard. The drivers of the dump truck and one school bus were transported. - Delaware Fire News photo courtesy of Ryan Knowles; Carlisle PIO
On the morning of July 27, 2015, the Selbyville Volunteer Fire Company, along with Frankford, Roxana, Bishopville and more, were alerted for a building fire on South DuPont Highway at Pomeroy’s Restaurant and Bar, which eventually destroyed the establishment. - Submitted by Michael Lowe, photo by Barbara Walls
CamdenWyoming — 2015 On October 21, 2015, the CamdenWyoming Fire Company was dispatched to a two-car MVA with possible cardiac arrest on New Burton Road. Crews arrived to find subjects trapped in both vehicles. - Submitted by Sean Byron
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Fire News, August 2021, Page 27
DELAWARE STATE FIRE SCHOOL
Summer Begins with a Busy Weekend at DSFS
The weekend of June 5 and 6, 2021, was a busy one at the Delaware State Fire School. With temperatures in the 90s, classes ran for Rapid Intervention with 17 students, Driver Operator with 26 students, HazMat Response Skills with 82 students and on Sunday, the Delaware Air Guard attended for Advanced Fire Behavior Training. Lunches were provided by the Carlisle Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. - Submitted by Michael Lowe
Delaware Weekend at NFA
The brochure for the Delaware Weekend at the National Fire Academy to be held September 25 and 26, 2021, is posted! Four possible classes available. Free to all Delaware responders and $35 for any out-of-state responders. Deadline to register is noon on August 20, 2021. For those not going to Firefly or attending Basic or HazMat Response Skills, you have a chance to attend training since UD Football is on a BYE week. Any questions please contact Senior Instructor Vinnie Miller. - Submitted by Michael W. Lowe
Page 28, Fire News, August 2021
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DELAWARE STATE FIRE SCHOOL
DSFS Holds Annual Fire Camp Fifteen young adults, aged 13 to 17, attended the Delaware State Fire School’s Fire Camp on June 22 through 24, 2021. Activities included hose handling, fire behavior, vehicle rescue as well as a tour of Dover’s Fire Station. On day two students participated in a boat demonstration and ride provided by Little Creek, Leipsic and Bowers. Once students completed the camp they were referred to their local fire departments to enhance recruitment efforts within their communities. - Submitted by Michael W. Lowe
Theme Fire Announced for Departments 2021 Fire Prevention Week Support Home
Sprinkler Safety Week Under the guidance of the Delaware Fire Sprinkler Coalition, fire departments across the state came together to spread the word promoting home residential sprinklers during Home Sprinkler Week which ran from May 17 to 23, 2021. - Submitted by Michael W. Lowe
The National Fire Protection Association has announced this year — 2021 — Fire Prevention Week will be observed from October 3 to 9. The 2021 theme for FPW will be “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety,” which focuses on recognizing the different sounds and alerts that safety devices make when there is a fire or carbon monoxide hazard. Knowing the unique noises the alarm makes — a beeping sound or a chirping sound — means it is time to take action. Get more information about the 2021 Fire Prevention Week campaign at www.firepreventionweek.org. You’ll find kids’ activities, downloadable materials, safety messages, and more to help you start planning your community events! - Submitted by Michael W. Lowe
Page 30, Fire News, August 2021
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SCEMS
Sussex County EMS Hosts Ribbon Cutting New Station 110
Sussex County’s paramedics have a new base of operations in the fight to save lives on the western front. Sussex County officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 25, 2021, to celebrate the grand opening of the new Medic 110/EMS 200 (Western District Supervisor) station, at the corner of US Route 13 and Swain Road, north of Seaford. Located approximately 2-½ miles from its previous location off Sussex Highway near Blades, the new 5,000square-foot facility provides nearly five times the space of its predecessor, with improved access to serve residences and businesses in western Sussex County. The station also will serve as quarters for a supervisor and training facility for new medics. Paramedic crews from the new Medic 110 station will continue to serve the Seaford and Blades area — the core of the U.S. Route 13 corridor — in the western portion of the county, while units to the north and south will remain in place to cover the Bridgeville-Greenwood and Laurel and Delmar areas, respectively. The new location, which feeds directly into US Route 13, is more strategically located and helps evenly distribute EMS resources in the county. “We feel that this station is in the best location for us to improve our overall response times to calls, thus providing better service to residents and visitors of the area,” Sussex County Emergency Medical Services Director Robert Murray said. “The station design was based on our east side dual station that serves the Lewes-Rehoboth Beach area and opened in 2017.” In 2020, crews from Medic 110 responded to nearly than 3300 calls for service, with a typical response time of just over seven minutes. The new $2 million paramedic station — a single-story building designed to blend with the surrounding residential areas — is the fifth free-standing, County-owned facility built exclusively to house EMS crews and units in recent years. Since 2009, the County has constructed new medic stations near Laurel, Long Neck, Ocean View, and Lewes, shifting from a decades-long
model of renting space or co-locating with volunteer fire/EMS companies for quarters. Sussex County plans to transition all its medic stations in the coming years so that each unit is housed independently, giving staff more space for life-saving equipment and better access to communities served, all with the goal of saving taxpayers’ dollars and improving response times. Sussex County EMS has 10 fixed stations, and one seasonal unit. Sussex leaders said the new station, which became operational this spring, represents the County’s continued commitment to public safety. Funding for the station’s design and construction was made possible through the County’s share of realty transfer taxes collected on property sales. “We are proud to open this facility today, which represents not just an investment in our award-winning paramedic program, but a commitment to the public we serve,” Sussex County Council President Michael H. Vincent said. “We must equip our brave and talented first responders with the tools, training, and facilities they need to deliver life-saving care to patients, and this new station will go a long way in supporting that mission of saving lives.” Among some of the new station’s features, the building includes two garage bays that will accommodate four emergency vehicles, office/conference space, a kitchen, day room, sleeping quarters and fitness area. Construction was performed by the Whayland Co. of Laurel, Del. George, Miles & Buhr, LLC of Salisbury, Md., and Seaford provided design services. - Submitted by Glenn Marshall
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Fire News, August 2021, Page 31
SCEMS
Frank Mayhorn Retires From SCEMS
Melvin ‘Frank’ Mayhorn retired from Sussex County EMS after 15 years of service. Frank retired as a Paramedic II, having served as a field training officer (FTO) and as member of the equipment and fitness committees. He graduated from the Delaware Technical Community College Paramedic Program in 2006 and began working for SCEMS shortly thereafter. Frank and his wife are moving to Florida to enjoy retirement. SCEMS wishes Frank all the best in his retirement. - Submitted by Glenn Marshal
Sussex County EMS Deputy Director Mark Sheridan Retires Deputy Director Mark Sheridan is retiring after 27 years of service with Sussex County EMS. Mark started in emergency services in 1986 when he joined the Laurel Fire Department. In 1991 Mark was offered the opportunity to be a member of the third class of students attending the paramedic program conducted by Kent General Hospital. Mark accepted the offer, successfully completed the program, and began his career with Sussex County EMS in 1992. During his 27-year career with the county Mark has held the positions of Paramedic III, Field Training Officer, Shift Supervisor, Shift Commander, and most recently Deputy Director. When questioned which of these positions he enjoyed most, Mark said Shift
Supervisor and Shift Commander had been his favorites. “These were the positions I enjoyed most because it allowed me to be involved with some of the administrative responsibilities, but also afforded me the opportunity to run calls and interact with field personnel. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the personnel that were assigned to me and occasionally getting the chance to run calls with them.” When asked what he had liked best overall about working as a paramedic for Sussex County, Mark said, “I always liked running calls and interacting with the different fire and EMS agencies. I really enjoyed having the opportunity to teach new EMTs while I was assigned to one of the medic units.” Mark was asked if he had a message for the
paramedics of Sussex County what would that be? In response he stated with a smile, “If you can dream it, you can achieve it. After a long absence I returned to school and completed a bachelor’s degree along with a master’s degree while earning a 4.0 GPA. Though Mark is retiring from Sussex County EMS, he recently accepted a position as Director of Emergency Services for Caroline County, Maryland. Sussex County EMS thanks Mark E. Sheridan for his dedication and wishes him well in his future endeavors. - Submitted by Matt Farlow
Robert Mauch Promoted to Deputy Director Sussex County EMS is announced that Robert (‘Rob’) Mauch has been promoted to position of Deputy Director. Rob joined SCEMS in 2000 where he has served as Field Training Officer (FTO), Education Coordinator, District Supervisor, and most recently served as Manager of Quality and Standards. He was a member of the JEMS Games team that won SCEMS first gold medal. Rob graduated from the emergency health services program at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County and worked for Coshocton County EMS in Ohio prior to joining SCEMS. Rob has a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Health Services and is a certified flight paramedic (FP-C). SCEMS congratulates Robert on his promotion and wishes him the best of luck in his new position. - Submitted by Glenn Marshall
Page 32, Fire News, August 2021
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TRAINING
Elsmere Training Weekend On the weekend of June 26, 2021, several members, career staff, and part time staff headed to the Delaware State Fire SchoolDover Division for their annual Elsmere Training Weekend. This year we extended an invite to Cranston Heights. We had a total of five crews participating and ran several scenarios to test skills. Incidents were dispatched ranging from a simple medical emergency to a high-rise structure fire with a subject trapped, and everything in between. All crews performed very well throughout the weekend and everyone gained and passed on some knowledge. We would like to thank all the instructors and aides from the DSFS who helped us get everything ready and run smoothly. We would also like to thank past-Chief George Giles, President Kathy Aiken and Suzanne
Tally from the Ladies Auxiliary for cooking lunch on Saturday, as well as Joe Moran for providing dinner Saturday night. And a special thank you to Engine 14 from Singerly Fire Company and Squad 10 from Upper
Chi Fire Company for providing coverage to our district while we were away for the weekend. - Story by Mark Facciolo; submitted by Frank Maule
Carlisle Receives Rescue Chute Carlisle received a Grain Bin Rescue Chute from Nationwide Insurance and National Center for Agricultural Safety of Iowa. Several surrounding companies participated in training for this new equipment. - Photos by Chaplain Andy Stevens; submitted by Ryan Knowles
Joint Training
On June 18, 2021, members from Elsmere and Five Points got together for some joint water flow training. We try to train as much
as possible with our mutual aid companies! - Submitted by Charles Hayes
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Fire News, August 2021, Page 33
TRAINING
FAST Board Practice
The members and officers trained on their new FAST Board rescue old house used for RIT training. Members will also practice using board, used mainly for RIT, but having a tremendous amount of the FAST Board’s lifting bridle and the ladder truck to lift the other uses. Assistant Chief Kent Glasco trained the members on its board through a hole in the floor. use. The next training session will be going up and down stairs in an - Submitted by Chief Terry Jester
PWC Rescue Training
Rehoboth Beach members trained on PWC (personal water craft) rescue techniques on July 9, 10 and 11, 2021, at Station 2 and Red Mill Pond. Butch Hendrick, a leading expert in Water Rescue Operations around the world from LGS Systems of New York, conducted the
training with our group. A great job was done by all who participated in the training with much information being shared. This is the start of the development of a group of RBVFC members to utilize the PWCs for rescue on our waterways. - Submitted by Chuck Snyder
Page 34, Fire News, August 2021
TRAINING
Grain Storage Rescue Training
On June 6, 2021, members of Leipsic and Little Creek fire companies, traveled to Odessa Station 4 to attend grain storage rescue training. The training was sponsored by Nationwide Insurance, the Delaware Farm Bureau, and conducted by the National Education Center for Agriculture Safety (NECAS) which provided their grain rescue simulator and excellent instruction. Little Creek and Leipsic joined other companies in Delaware with the resources to safely attempt to rescue a person entrapped by grain, in a silo, bin or trailer. The chute is normally made of six curved panels of aluminum, which is pressed into the grain around the victim to stop the grain from moving, while rescuer remove the grain around them to a level that the victim can, hopefully, climb out from under their own power. All the attendees were shown how to place the chute panels around the victim, interlocking each panel to the last as they encompassed the victim. Attendees, had at chance to rescue a victim using the chute. As the victim scooped out the grain, or the rescuers used the auger that comes with the chute system, the victim was them able to lift themselves out of the grain. Both fire companies added this training and the grain chute system to their toolbox. Thanks again to Nationwide Insurance, Delaware Farm Bureau for selecting our companies for this rescue tool, and to NECAS for great training. - Submitted by Barry Laise
Water Rescue Training
The members of several area fire department trained on Water Rescue evolutions recently. They started off with basic understanding of driving a boat, then actually driving the four different boats through an obstacle course to test their skills. This was followed by man-overboard evolutions and recovery. Members took turns getting in the water doing rescues using a backboard, rescue sling, and Stoke’s basket with a flotation collar attached. Members were shown the easiest way to get the device (and person) out of the water into the boat safely. The next part of the training is night operations. This was a Delaware State Fire School class. Slaughter Beach, South Bowers and Indian River assisted with their boats. - Submitted by Chief Terry Jester
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Up Close & Personal
Harrington Fire Company members on July 1, 2021, at a tornado touchdown site. - Submitted by Earl Brode
On June 27, 2021, Hockessin FF/EMT Jordan Edgerton (pictured) along with Kevin Hovis and Olivia Alexander rescued this baby kitten from a storm drain in Way Ridge. The kitten was unharmed and is doing well! - Photo by Kevin Hovis; submitted by MarkFelicetti
Rehoboth Beach members after training on PWC (personal water craft) rescue techniques on July 9, 10 and 11, 2021, at Station 2 and Red Mill Pond. - Submitted by Chuck Snyder
Page 36, Fire News, August 2021
Antique Corner
FireNews.com
A “Twofer” for Cranston Heights at CLAFAA Meeting
Approximately 20 members attended the Cradle of Liberty Antique Fire Apparatus Association (CLAFAA) meeting at Cranston Heights Fire Company (CHFC). CHFC got a “twofer” in the antique apparatus viewing category. In addition to the CHFC’s 1931 American LaFrance, neighboring Elsmere’s 1961 Autocar was also available for viewing as the apparatus is being temporarily housed at Cranston Heights. During the meeting, a Society for the Preservation and Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America (SPAAMFAA) certificate of recognition was presented to
Chief Jonathan Sokira and company representative Les Warrick. The certificate recognizes the company’s restoration and preservation of their American LaFrance antique. On behalf of the CHFC, Les Warrick presented the CLAFAA with a challenge coin commemorating the company’s 100th Anniversary which was celebrated in 2019. The challenge coin will be added to our CLAFAA memorabilia display on the second floor of our Repaupo Fire Museum. - Submitted by Bob Romig
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Fire News, August 2021, Page 37
Camden-Wyoming New Apparatus Camden Wyoming Fire Company’s Engine 41, aka “The Black Widow,” is a 2021 Pierce Saber. It was equipped and sold by Atlantic Emergency Solutions. - Submitted by Don Moorhead
Preplanning at the Wilmington VA On June 22, 2021 members from the Elsmere, Cranston Heights and Five Points did a tour of the Wilmington Veterans Administration Medical Center and its new four-story parking structure. Doing this with area companies allows for planning for potential incidents. - Story by Krista Foulke; submitted by Frank Maule
New Engine for Rehoboth Beach Rehoboth Beach members went and performed a final inspection on their new engine in Wisconsin on May 22, 2021. - Submitted by Chuck Snyder
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Contact Tom Mitten 302-354-3229 or tom@firenews.com
Page 38, Fire News, August 2021
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Holloway Terrace at Rosegate Community Day
Holloway Terrace Fire Company members participated in the Rosegate Community Day event on July 10, 2021, featuring apparatus, demonstrations, recruitment and good will. - Submitted by Randy Roberts
Simpler, Fluharty, Burton Graduate High School
Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company had three Junior members graduate from Cape Henlopen High School and Sussex Technical HS this past June. Wyatt Simpler, Cole Fluharty and
Jeremiah Burton will all get their black helmets this summer. Congratulations on your accomplishments. - Submitted by Chuck Snyder
New Carlisle Apparatus The Carlisle Fire Company recently placed a 2021 Pierce Ascendent 100-foot Mid-Mount Aerial in service. Featuring a six-man cab, this apparatus holds a vast amount of firefighting tools, ground ladders, vehicle rescue tools, and rope rescue with high angle equipment. This apparatus replaced a 29-year old 110-foot straight stick ladder. - Submitted by Ryan Knowles
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Fire News, August 2021, Page 39
Rehoboth Beach on Presidential Duty It was Rehoboth Beach’s honor and privilege to assist the US Secret Service with providing fire and EMS coverage while President Joe Biden was visiting his summer home here in Rehoboth Beach. It was a learning experience for the members involved. Thanks to SCEMS and Memorial Fire Company for their help with EMS coverage. - Submitted by Chuck Snyder
Santos Graduates NCC Fire Academy
On May 27, 2021, Holloway Terrace Fire Company Junior Firefighter Daniel Santos, became the first member from the company to graduate from the New Castle County Fire Academy. This was the seventh class to complete the Academy, which covered course materials as well as hands-on training and examinations for Firefighter I and II, Vehicle Rescue, Hazardous Materials, Firefighting Foam, CPR, Water Rescue, and many other courses. The graduation was attended by many officers and members, including Holloway Terrace Fire Company Life Member (Daniel’s grandfather) Greg Mason. - Submitted by Randy Roberts
Page 40, Fire News, August 2021
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Rehoboth Beach Fireworks Rehoboth Beach members provided standby coverage for fireworks on July 3, 2021, in Rehoboth Beach. Thanks to Slaughter Beach, Indian River, Millsboro, Mid-Sussex and SCEMS for assisting. Only a few EMS runs were handled. - Submitted by Chuck Snyder
Home Sprinkler Week Fire departments across the state came together to assist the Delaware Fire Sprinkler Coalition promote Home Sprinkler Week. May 16 to 22, 2021, was designated as Home Fire Sprinkler Week. This effort unites the fire service and safety advocates nationwide around the extreme risks of home fires and the need for home fire sprinkler protection. Modern lightweight home construction can rapidly fail in a fire. Statistics tell us that a home built in the 1960s provided possibly as long as 15 minutes to escape a fire? Today that time is less than five minutes. The Delaware Fire Sprinkler Coalition @DelawareFSC works hard to provide information and address areas of expansion where protection could be vital. The time has come to provide modern protection from the dangers of fire. - Submitted by Michael W. Lowe
Probie Joseph Smith Graduates from Fire Academy On May 27, 2021, Probationary Firefighter Joseph Smith graduated from the New Castle County Firefighter Academy Recruit Class 7. Joseph showed his pride and dedication by not only attending the academy, but by continuing to push forward and attend all classes after suffering a fractured ankle during one of the hands-on training days. Joseph will now move on to complete his written and practical testing within the company to become an interior firefighter. Joseph’s family and several members were in attendance to watch him graduate. Congratulations Joseph Smith III, we’re all proud of you! - Story and photo by Mark Facciolo; submitted by Frank Maule
Milestone: One Year of Volunteer Duty Crew March 27, 2021, marked an exciting day for the Little Creek Fire Company. It was one year that the company was able to maintain a 24/7 all-volunteer duty crew. Little Creek’s one-of-a-kind program is a model of progressive thinking for today’s volunteer fire service. Originally started to minimize exposure to members because of Covid-19, the program was accepted and supported by the membership. On average, 51 members cover 4,203 hours a month. Over the course of the last year, they have handled 518 incidents — 366 by the Duty Crew and 152 General alarms. Members covered a grand total of 50,434 hours in the same year. The company has also been able to maintain a 20-person average on general alarms. Reviewing the last year, the membership has been through a lot to make it successful. Never giving up and always looking out for the
public and all members understanding the huge benefit of having a crew in house and available. Without the dedication of the membership this could not have been accomplished. Often the fire service will go down the rabbit hole of what the public needs based off what the fire service believes. We have tried to balance what we perceive as the need versus the want from the public. We continue to review our operation to not only include this program but others to ensure that we are providing the best service possible. This includes daily trainings in addition to our regular weekly training nights. Allowing the membership to have a voice to float ideas about operations and giving them a chance to vet them out also has been a big positive of this program. - Submitted by Barry Laise
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Fire News, August 2021, Page 41
Reverend Dr. Lawrence Jameson Honored with Lifetime Membership
On June 6, 2021, the Harrington Fire Company presented Reverend Dr. Lawrence ‘Larry’ Jameson with his Life Membership in the Harrington Fire Company. Pastor Larry came to Harrington as the preacher of the Asbury United Methodist Church in July 2011 and shortly thereafter joined the Harrington Fire Company. Pastor Larry served as an active member and one of our depart-
Junior Member Madison Poore Graduates from Lake Forest High School The Harrington Fire Company would like to congratulate Junior Member Madison Poore on her graduation from Lake Forest High School class of 2021. We wish you the best in all your future endeavors and we would also like to congratulate all the other graduates of the class of 2021. - Submitted by Earl Brode
mental chaplains. President Derrick Brode and several members of the fire company and ladies auxiliary were present when Pastor Larry received this honor. He retired on July 1, 2021, and he and his wife Sue will be relocating to Georgia. Enjoy you well-earned retirement. We will miss you. - Submitted by Earl Brode
Page 42, Fire News, August 2021
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Obituaries
Harrington’s Robert E. Taylor
It is with deepest regret that the Harrington Fire Company announced the passing of pastChief, past-EMS Captain and past-President Robert E. ‘Bobby’ Taylor who answered his last alarm on May 26, 2021. He was 83-years old. Robert E. Taylor joined the Harrington Fire Company in April 1961. He was a graduate of Harrington High School and then graduated from Goldey Beacom School of Business. Chief Taylor served in the Army National Guard from 1958 to 1968 obtaining the rank of 1st Lieutenant. In 2012 Bob earned the honor of receiving his 50-year active member status with the Harrington Fire Company. Bob served as Fire Chief in 1983 and 1984, President in 1969 and Ambulance Captain in 1971 and 1972. He received Fireman of the Year for the fire company in 1991. He has been a member of the Kent County Firefighters Association
and the Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association since 1961. Also, during his over 50 years of service, Bob served on the Board of Directors and numerous committees. Since 1902 Chief Taylor was only one of four members of the company to hold all three offices of Chief, President and EMS Captain. Chief Taylor’s son Rob is also one of the four members. Bob’s wife Betty is a Life Member and past-President of the Harrington Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. Bob was also an icon within the Harrington community. Bob worked at the family business of Taylors Hardware Company, a business that lasted over 70 years. Bob was President of the company from 1984 until his retirement in 2006. Bob was on the Board of Directors for the Delaware Better Business Bureau from 1978 to 1984, First President of the Delmarva FIFE Federal Credit Union from 1987 to 1991, President of the Harrington Chamber of Commerce in 1984, Pennsylvania Atlantic Seaboard Hardware Association Board of Directors from 1985-1991. He served on the Advisory Board of the Servistar Cooperation from 1988 to 1990 and he was President to the Harrington Business Association in 1995. As if this was not enough, Bob was a charter member of the Harrington Jaycees and served as President in 1963, 1965 and 1970. He has been a member of the Loyal Order of Moose since 1987 and has served on the Board of Directors for the Delaware State Fair since 1987 and this year was honored as an honorary director. Bob has been a member of the Asbury United Methodist Church since 1950. Bob was also a member and past-President of the Harrington
Lions Club. All of these listed accomplishments above have been done mostly while being married to his wife Betty for 58 years and raising three children Teresa, Rob and Mary Kaye. Chief Taylor is one of the pioneers of the Harrington Fire Company and trained and mentored many of its members over the years. With his leadership and dedication, he is one of the members that have made the Harrington Fire Company what it is today. We ask that that you keep the Harrington Fire Company and the Taylor family in your thoughts and prayers through this difficult time. - Submitted by Earl Brode
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Fire News, August 2021, Page 43
Obituaries
Elsmere’s, Wilmington’s Michael R. Schaal
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Life Member and Treasurer Michael R. Schaal on July 8, 2021. Michael was currently our Treasurer and held this office for the past 35 years. Michael also held the offices of Ambulance Captain,
Engine Captain, 2nd Assistant Chief, 1st Assistant Chief, and Assistant Treasurer. Michael had a long career of public service, beginning in August of 1967 when he joined the Elsmere Fire Company as a junior firefighter. In 1974 Michael continued his service and became a Police Officer with the Elsmere Police Department, up until October of 1980 when he became a Firefighter with the Wilmington Fire Department. Michael served the Wilmington Fire Department with pride and dedication for 40 years and rose
through the ranks and was promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief in January 2013, and recently retired in July 2021. Michael will be deeply missed by everyone that knew him. Michael was survived by his wife of 29 years Christine E. Schaal; children, Jeffrey, and his wife, Bridget, and daughter, Jessica. Grandchildren Riley, Rian and Helen. Michael is also survived by sisters, Carol and Lee and brother, Matt. Please keep the Schaal family in your thoughts and prayers. - Story by Chief Mark Facciolo; submitted by Frank Maule
within the organization, and he shared and provided education to many members and officers for betterment of the community. He was preceded in death by his wife Diane F. Chaffinch. He is survived by his daughter Dawn Chaffinch and son Dwayne Chaffinch (Dana). Grandchildren Danah Chaffinch (Joey), Jordy Smart, Tayler Chaffinch (Don), Trever
Chaffinch. Great granddaughter Kaylee Bradford. He is also survived by a half-sister Jean Stant, a special niece Gladys “Sis” Graham and several other nieces and nephews and many cousins. He loved country music, his grandchildren, and his beloved cat Smokey. Wayne will be dearly missed by BVFC members and family. - Submitted by Jason Hudson
Blades’ Wayne Chaffinch Life Member and Chief Emeritus Wayne Chaffinch of Station 71 (Blades) answered his last alarm on June 20, 2021. He was 81. Wayne joined the Blades Volunteer Fire Company (BVFC) on March 19, 1967. He served the company and citizens of the State of Delaware for over 54 years, and served as the Chief of BVFC for multiple different terms. He was made Chief Emeritus in recognition of his unwavering dedication to the fire service and the company. Wayne held many positions of leadership
Harrington’s Augusta Ann Lindale Augusta Ann (‘Gussie’) Lindale, 74, of Houston, Delaware, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2021, in St. Francis Hospital in Wilmington. Gussie was born in Milford, the daughter of the late Augustus and Anna (Adam) Lindale. She was a graduate of Milford High School, class of ‘64. She worked in management of apartment communities and managed for Market Street Apartments in Bridgeville and for East Coast Property Management, located throughout the Eastern Shore. She was a member of St. Bernadette’s Catholic Church in Harrington, and a member of Harrington Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed being outdoors
working in her garden, growing flowers and especially loved digging in the dirt. She had many friends with whom she shared and exchanged her beautiful flowers. She also enjoyed feeding and watching the hummingbirds around her home. She is survived by her son Adam Hulstine, a daughter Maryann Hulstine; two sisters Helen Brown and her husband Gene and Peggy Biddle and her husband Calvin, as well as other brothers and sisters; two grandsons, three granddaughters, one great grandson as well as several nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to the Harrington Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, 20 Clark Street, Harrington, DE 19952. Letters of condolence may be shared with the family at www.loflandandmcknatt.com. - Submitted by Bill Carpenter; Lofland Funeral Home
Page 44, Fire News, August 2021
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The Annual Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants to 14 VFCs in Delaware The grants help pay for equipment and PPE to fight wildfires.
Type 6 engine crew - they are fighting the Dexter Fire in Southern California. The crew is Erich Burkentine of Milton, Hunter Melson of Milford, and Nikki Testa of Newark. - Submitted by John Petersen
(From left): Fire Prevention Co-Chairs Robert Marmor and Roxanne Bammer, Chief Hayden Klingler, and the Delaware Forest Service’s Sam Topper.
The 2021 VFA grants we awarded VFA Grants 2021 Delaware City Fire Co. Hockessin Fire Company Volunteer Hose Co. of Middletown Goodwill Fire Company Camden-Wyoming Fire Dept. Robbins Hose Company No. 1 Marydel Fire Company Delmar Fire Department Blades Volunteer Fire Company Indian River Volunteer Fire Co. Ellendale Volunteer Fire Co. Dagsboro Volunteer Fire Dept. Milton Volunteer Fire Department Laurel Fire Department
Award $4,500.00 $2,112.51 $410.67 $252.99 $4,257.00 $4,149.05 $3,409.68 $4,500.00 $4,500.00 $4,500.00 $2,461.00 $2,205.90 $2,112.51 $749.97 $40,121.28
County New Castle New Castle New Castle New Castle Kent Kent Kent Sussex Sussex Sussex Sussex Sussex Sussex Sussex
(From left): Chief Joe Morris, President Andrew Rementer, and the Delaware Forest Service’s John Petersen.
New Amazon Facility Tour On May 26, 2021, crews from Five Points and officers from area companies were invited to tour the new Amazon facilities on Boxwood Road. We thank Clayco and Dermody Properties for keeping us up to date on the progress of this project and look forward to a close relationship with Amazon. - Submitted by Charles Hayes
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Fire News, August 2021, Page 45
Past-Chief Jimmy Green Benefit Fundraiser On July 17, 2021, a benefit fundraiser was held at the Harrington Fire Company for past-Chief Jimmy Green. On June 19, 2021, while operating at a fatal MVA past-Chief Green suffered a serious medical problem and has been hospitalized since. The event began at 1600 with a beef and beer dinner and a silent auction and a live auction began at 1830. All the proceeds from the event go directly to the Green family to help during this difficult time. The Harrington Fire Company would like to thank all the sponsors, members and citizens who gave monetary donations and donations for the auction. We would also like to thank our members, auxiliary, employees and family members who assisted during this event. Thank you to the Greenwood, Clayton and Magnolia Fire Companies for providing standby crews for the fire side and Marydel Fire Company for providing EMS coverage for our district. This could not have been done without the love and support of every single person in attendance. The love that was shown to past-Chief
Green and his service to this community was seen in everyone present. We ask that you keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers. On behalf of the Harrington Fire Company and the Green family we thank you for all your love and support. - Submitted by Earl rBode
SUTPHEN CORPORATION TO BUILD NEW MANUFACTURING FACILITY IN URBANA, OHIO WILL RETAIN EXISTING WORKFORCE AND ADD JOBS Sutphen Corporation, the nation’s largest family-owned and operated fire apparatus manufacturer with headquarters in Dublin, Ohio, announced plans to combine its three Urbana manufacturing and service sites in a new 160,000-square-foot facility to be constructed at State Route 55 and Edgewood Avenue in Urbana. With this plan, Sutphen will retain the three Urbana facilities’ 160 existing jobs and add 20 to 25 more positions at the new site. “We are extremely proud to continue our growth as a business while remaining in Ohio and specifically in Urbana,” said Sutphen Corporation President Drew Sutphen, a fourth-generation family member. “Having worked with the Urbana community for many years, we are confident that Urbana is the ideal place to facilitate expansion. Between its hardworking people and its business-friendly environment, we look forward to continuing our growth in Urbana for years to come.” Todd Winnenberg, general manager of the three Urbana operations, said, “It’s truly an exciting time to be a part of Sutphen Corporation. This move emphasizes the Sutphen family’s commitment to its employees by staying local and providing a great opportunity for area jobs.” The Champaign Economic Partnership (CEP), Sutphen leaders, and local, regional and state partners worked together to enable Sutphen to maintain and expand its operations and workforce in Champaign County, CEP Director Marcia Bailey said. Sutphen also considered a site in Pennsylvania and other locations in Ohio. “I am grateful for everything our partners have done to help make this project come together and allow Sutphen to continue serving our community, now and well into the future, with a tradition of quality manufacturing, rewarding employment opportunities, and strong prospects for continued growth,” Bailey said. Julie Sullivan, Executive Vice President of Regional Development for the Dayton Development Coalition, said, “We and our partners at JobsOhio welcome Sutphen’s plans to expand their manufacturing operations in Urbana. An Ohio company in its fifth generation of family leadership, the fire apparatus they make here take a piece of this state’s compassionate spirit to first responders across the country, making sure critical life-saving equipment is safely produced in the U.S.” The new building will be built northeast of the intersection of State Route 55 and Edgewood Avenue, on 55 acres of land that will provide Sutphen ample room for further expansion in the future. Julie Sutphen Phelps, a fourth-generation family member, vice president of Sutphen Corporation and president of Sutphen’s Hilliard, Ohio, facility, said, “This expansion allows our family-owned business to continue to grow and expand within Urbana and the fire industry as a
whole. While we continue to grow, we know that our apparatus quality, our individualized customer experience and our dedication to our mission and values will not falter.” The new building is being designed to optimize workflow of fire apparatus manufacturing, from start to finish, and will combine the operations of Sutphen’s three current Urbana facilities - the Sutphen Service & Technical Division, 49 N. Ludlow Rd. Urbana; the Sutphen Urbana Chassis Division, 1701 W. County Line Rd., Urbana; and the Sutphen Urbana Pumper Division, 1653 W. County Line Rd., Urbana. Ground will be broken in August or September and Sutphen officials anticipate moving into the new building in the fall of 2022. Urbana FD Awaiting New Sutphen Pumper Truck In addition to gaining a new Sutphen manufacturing facility, the local community will soon be served by a new Sutphen heavy duty pumper truck, purchased by the City of Urbana to replace a nearly 20year-old pumper that the Urbana Fire Department will keep for backup service. Urbana Fire Chief Dean Ortlieb said, “The quality of the Sutphen truck and the warranty and service agreement that Sutphen offered made it an easy decision. To be honest, no one came close to offering us what they did. And we are pleased to support local.” He said the truck will be delivered in August. Harry Sutphen, a fifth-generation family member and owner of Heritage Fire Equipment, the Urbana-area Sutphen fire apparatus dealer, said, “My dad, Dan Sutphen, has worked with Urbana-area fire departments since the 1990s. Today, he and I work together throughout the community and are excited to see how Sutphen’s new growth benefits the area.”
Page 46, Fire News, August 2021
FireNews.com
Fire Marshal’s Report Explosion in Ocean View John M. Galaska, Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal investigated an explosion that heavily damaged a structure in Ocean View on July 14, 2021. The incident, reported shortly before 0900, occurred in the 31000 block of Pine Street, Banks Acres, Ocean View, Delaware. The Millville Volunteer Fire Company arrived on the scene and found a damaged mobile home. Mutual aid fire companies assisted at the scene. State fire investigators were called to the scene and performed an investigation to determine the origin and cause. The explosion was determined to have originated on the interior of the home and was caused by the accidental ignition of gas at a stove while conducting maintenance to same. Damage is estimated at $10,000. The mobile home was occupied at the time of the fire. The 62-year-old male occupant escaped and was transported to Crozer Chester Medical Center Chester in Pennsylvania in stable condition for burns to the hands. There were no other reported injuries.
Update on Rehoboth Beach Arson in 2020 John M. Galaska, Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal investigated separate structure fires in 2020 in the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach area. The first incident investigated occurred on April 23, 2020, shortly after 2200, at the 100 block of Dickinson Avenue in Dewey Beach, and involved The Lighthouse Restaurant property structure and boardwalk area under construction. The Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company arrived on scene and found heavy flames coming from the structure. Mutual aid fire companies assisted at the scene. State fire investigators were called to the scene and performed an investigation into the fire origin and cause. The
cause of this fire was determined to be intentionally started/arson. Fire damage was estimated at $750,000. The second incident investigated occurred on June 3, 2020, shortly after 0030, in the 35000 block of Wolfe Neck Road Rehoboth Beach and involved the AquaLeisure property structure. The Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company arrived on scene and found smoke and flames coming from the structure. Mutual aid fire companies assisted at the scene. State fire investigators performed an investigation and the cause of this fire was determined to be intentionally started/arson. Fire damaged was estimated at $200,000. An ongoing criminal investigation into these separate fires by Delaware State Fire Marshal Deputies involving assistance and coordination with the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Delaware State Police, and Dewey Beach Police resulted in Richard B. Lodeski, 44, of Wilimington, Delaware being identified as a person responsible for those separate fires. Lodeski is currently incarcerated in the State of Maryland for Arson related crimes.
Greenwood Fire Intentionally Set John M. Galaska, Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal conducted an arson investigation into a building fire that heavily damaged a structure in Greenwood on May 18, 2021. The fire, reported shortly after 0300, occurred to the structure in the first block of West Market Street in The Pit Stop Bar and Grill. State fire investigators have determined that the fire was intentionally started. Fire damage is estimated at $500,000. A firefighter was transported from the scene with minor injuries.
