VOLUME 22, NO. 1
SERVING DELAWARE’S FIRE, RESCUE AND EMS COMMUNITY
FEBRUARY 2019
See coverage on page 53. - Submitted by Don Moorhead
New Officers Installed See pages 43-52
February 2019
Delaware Fire Service News, Page 3
In this issue... Country Lane Barn Fire Stations 78, 72 and 47, and Sussex County Paramedics were dispatched to a barn fire on Country Lane. See story page 8
Resident Injured in Laurel House Fire Laurel, Delmar, Sharptown and SCEMS were alerted for a house fire at the corner of 10th and West Streets. See story page 10
Family Displaced by Newark Fire Cheswold Fire Company was alerted to a building fire at the Little Union Church on West Denney’s Road. See story page 13
First Snow Brings MVC with Entrapment Crews were dispatched for an MVC with a vehicle overturned and a subject trapped. See story page 15
2 FFs Hurt at Townsend Multi-Alarm A commercial structure fire at Willey Farms in Townsend is stopped but two firefighters are injured. See story page 26
NCCo Paramedic Retires After 38 Years of Service Senior Corporal Thomas Murphy, Jr., retired on December 7, 2018. See story page 30
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, Asst. Editor Marie Trotta, Vice President, Production/Sales Cliff Chiesa, Art Director Barbara Connolly, Director of Sales & Marketing 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 631-7760500 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 Adams Fire ................................. 7
NYSAFC ................................... 37
AdvantEdge Healthcare ........... 41
Provident Agency Inc. .............. 15
American University System ....... 13
Records Gebhart Agency .......... 45
Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4
Atlantic Emergency Solutions ....................... 5, 23, 28, 29, 33, 55
Roll N Rack ............................... 35
Delaware Pioneers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 22
CFSI .......................................... 27
Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 32
Delmarva Power ....................... 21
PLUS:
Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 49 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 53 Fire Marshal’s Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 54 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 54
DPC ................................. 2, 31, 56
Rush Uniforms ......................... 27 Spicer Mullikin ......................... 47 Sutphen ..................................... 17
ESI ............................................ 15
Terry Farrell ........................... Firefighters Fund .................... 49
Fire & Rescue Products ............ 11
The Fire Store ............................ 4
Fire, Rescue & EMS Today Podcast ..................................... 45
VCI ............................................ ??
Gennaro Jewelers ....................... 9
Veterans Manufacturing .......... 11
Page 4, Delaware Fire Service News
February 2019
From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Do You Wear Your PPE? Recently, many of you saw a video of New York City firefighters being consumed by a cloud of violent smoke and flame at a Sunnyside, Queens (NY) fire. As I watched in horror, my main concern was that no one would be found dead or seriously injured after the incident. Seconds before, I watched firefighters casually walking away from the building. Like a soldier going into battle, I am always impressed that FDNY firefighters typically demonstrate their professionalism on all levels as they don all of their personal protective equipment (PPE) all of the time. When the explosion occurred, my concern was for the members that were closest to the explosion. I watched the explosion over and over as it consumed several firefighters and their chief. I truly believe that everyone survived this incident because they were properly wearing their PPE. Yes, the chief and his members set the example for all firefighters to follow. Do you need another reason to convince you to wear your PPE? It has always been a pet peeve of mine, when I photograph a fire scene and I see people standing in the doorway of a fire wearing sandals, shorts and a T-shirt. If you are going to stand in the collapse zone of a structure that is on fire, you should be in full turnout gear. I know your adrenaline kicks in and, as you stand watching your brothers and sisters stretch lines, you see a kink or a hose line caught in an un-chocked door. Your first thought is to help — they might be short staffed – get their line in place. But you really have to gain control of your emotions and instruct the firefighters in gear and point out the issues and let them handle the situation. Once a firefighter, always a firefighter; I get it! But, if you get hurt, the first thing the investigators are going to ask is why were you in the collapse zone feeding hose through a door sans PPE. By the way, I understand the person who was hurt the worse in the Sunnyside smoke explosion was a civilian standing in front of the building. Yes, your personal protective equipment works. Department Safety Officers should visually scan their scene and when they see an individual in close proximity to the scene and not in turnout gear, pull them back to a safe area. I have seen members of departments in suits and ties, golf shirts and sandals, and improperly donned PPE. It is not in anyone’s best interest to be on a fire scene with no personal protective equipment. Learn from this recent smoke explosion in Queens. Watch the video over and over. Look at the force of the explosion as it swallowed the surprised firefighters. They were basically uninjured because they wore their personal protective equipment properly. Set the example in your department. Don’t take shortcuts when it comes to your own safety. -Dennis
Page 6, Delaware Fire Service News
February 2019
Serving Delaware’s First Responders Since 1921
DVFA Office New Officers: As we start out another year one of the most important things we can do is improve our communications. It is important that the DVFA Office has contact information with all the chiefs and presidents. Please send us your contact information. CFSI: The Annual CFSI Dinner is Thursday, April 25, 2019, at the Washington Hilton in Washington DC. Information and registrations forms are on the DVFA Website. Your support of this dinner is essential and there is why: Established in 1989, CFSI is a nonprofit, nonpartisan policy institute designed to educate members of Congress about the challenges and needs of our nation’s fire and emergency services. It is a privately-funded organization. While actively advocating each year for continued congressional support for
the Assistance to Firefighters and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant programs, CFSI has never applied for either grant. This is why CFSI depends on the support from individuals and organizations to maintain an active presence on Capitol Hill. FDIC Rooms: The Delaware block for rooms at FDIC is still available. Please contact the DVFA Office for the link. Conference 2019: The dates for the 2019 DVFA/LADVFA Conference is September 1113, 2019, at Dover Downs Hotel and Conference Center. Station Inventory: Each fire station is required by statute to submit an annual equipment inventory to the Insurance Office. The DVFA Office compiles this information and forwards it to the Insurance Office. If you go to
the DVFA Website: dvfassn.com. On the left side click on “Documents and Forms,” When the page comes up in the third block under “Various Documents” is “Station Apparatus Inventory.” Download the forms (one for each station), fill out and fax or e-mail to the DVFA Office as listed below. The DVFA Office is available to help with whatever the question may be. Please contact us at the below listed contact information. Warren Jones, Executive Manager wjones@dvfassn.com 302-535-4566 (cell) 302-734-9404 (fax)
DVFA President by Bill Betts, President, DVFA As we start out the new year, I hope that everyone has had a safe and healthy holiday season including Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza, etc., along with the New Year celebration. The time since the conference has been passing at a rapid pace, and it was refreshing to take some days off at the end of the year to reflect and have some quality time with my family. The DVFA Officers have started a program to meet all the new legislators that were elected in November, and it has been a rewarding
experience in our meetings, as we teach them about our service and needs to provide our citizens with the best fire, rescue, and ambulance service they deserve. I would like to congratulate all the new administrative and line officers that have been elected by their peers for 2019. If we can be of any assistance to anyone on the issues in the fire service, please contact us via the information on the DVFA website (dvfassn.com). I would urge all the new fire department administrations to keep their delegate and alternate list current so that you will have proper representation at the quarterly Executive meetings. The December meeting was sparsely attended, and I hope that it was due to the holiday season. The promotional video has been completed
and is currently in the Delaware media, and is getting a lot of hits. In addition to this being a teaching tool for the legislators and public, we also hope that it will become a useful recruitment and retention tool for our volunteer fire service. We are currently looking for a new chair for the Recruitment and Retention Committee due to the resignation of Chief Perillo. Please contact us if you are willing to step up to head this very important Committee. Finally, I would like to thank all the companies for the invitations and for the fellowship showed to my wife and I over the past two months. I really enjoy meeting new friends in the Delaware Fire Service, along with all the friends from the past. There is no brotherhood like the membership in the Fire Service.
LADVFA Corner by Penny Gentry, President LADVFA First, I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I would like to congratulate the incoming officers for each Auxiliary for the upcoming year; I look forward to meeting and working with all of you. I would like to congratulate the winners of the Fire Prevention Contest. The awards program was held at Cheswold Fire Company on January 6, 2019. Each and every one of the
winners did an outstanding job and your parents, schools, teachers and fire companies should be extremely proud of you for the work you did on the posters and essays. You all definitely understood the message and did an excellent job of showing it! The holidays can be hard on everyone who lost someone in 2018 and I would like offer my condolences to those families and hope that each day the pain gets to be a little less, but the memories bring you happiness. Karen, Pam and I are busy working on a few projects that started with Lynn and we hope to have any issues resolved soon.
Plans are starting to get underway for this year’s conference and Bill and I have started working on some things we need to take care of. Stay tuned for updates as we move along. I would like to thank everyone for the invitations I’ve received to your banquets and appreciation dinners. Sorry I couldn’t attend them all, but Karen and Pam were willing to fill in and I appreciate their help. With winter weather approaching, take care when driving, watch out for icy roads, and make sure your windows and headlights are cleaned off. Every precaution helps. Take care.
February 2019
Delaware Fire Service News, Page 7
Page 8, Delaware Fire Service News
February 2019
Abandoned House Goes in Dover On December 2, 2018, at 0416, the Dover Fire Department was alerted for a house fire on Martin Street. Dover Police, on routine patrol, came upon the vacant house fire. Engine 5, under the direction of Deputy Chief Rhodes, arrived to find a two-story, single-family residence with fire showing from the B/C side on the second story. E5’s crew established their own water supply. The house was boarded up with the exception of one window adjacent to the boarded side door. Due to the possibility of occupants within, the crew advanced an attack line through the open window and advanced upstairs. An aggressive attack stopped the fire and kept it contained to the second floor. There was a partial roof collapse above the fire room. The remainder of the house was opened up for firefighter safety and egress. Primary and secondary searches were conducted with negative findings. Little Creek provided RIT and assisted in opening up the house. KCDPS and Camden-Wyoming provided EMS. - Submitted by Michael O'Connor
Country Lane Barn Fire On January 10, 2019, Stations 78, 72 and 47, and Sussex County Paramedics were dispatched to a barn fire on Country Lane. Stations 75, 42, 50, 52, and 300 assisted at the scene. - Submitted by Mark Anderson
Richardson Park House Fire Around 0010 on October 27, 2018, Five Points, along with other area companies, were alerted to a multi-residential structure fire with an injury in the 300 block of N. DuPont Road in Richardson Park. Units arrived to find heavy fire coming from the rear second floor of the building. Ambulance A-17 located an injured person in the rear yard who had self-extricated. Truck and rescue companies searched the apartments while the engine companies advanced multiple handlines inside. Units were on the scene for about three hours while the State Fire Marshal’s Office investigated. Units responding included Elsmere, Minquas, Belvedere, Cranston Heights, Mill Creek, Wilmington Manor, Wilmington Fire Department and New Castle County Paramedics. - Submitted by Chuck Hayes, photo courtesy of Delaware Online
February 2019
Delaware Fire Service News, Page 9
Phillips Hill Road Fire
Millsboro and Gumboro Fire companies responded to a house fire extinguished and overhauled. The fire was under investigation. on Phillips Hill Road. All occupants were out on arrival, as crews - Submitted by Larry Gum
Page 10, Delaware Fire Service News
February 2019
Resident Injured in Laurel House Fire On January 13, 2019, Laurel, Delmar, Sharptown and SCEMS were alerted for a house fire at the corner of 10th and West Streets. Assistant Chief Mike Lowe assumed command of the fire located on West Tenth Street. A victim was located in the driveway who had been moved away from the home by neighbors and Laurel Police. SCEMS Paramedic Goldman began patient care. Engine 81-4 responded with Captain Zac Lecates, dropped a five-inch supply line and he was assigned as Operations Officer. Engine 81-3 with Captain Jamie Nelson secured a hydrant and water supply operations. Engine 74-2 with Chief Shawn Johnson was assigned to the B side at the rear. Deputy Chief Joe Morris was assigned RIT. Assistant Chief Artie Abbott handled Safety/Accountability. Engine 81-2 and Tower 81 supplied manpower, while Engine 1402 covered. Hebron Engine 507 stood by at Delmar. Truck 14 arrived simultaneously with the Delmar units and Chief Billy White took charge of access to the roof. A81 transported the patient to Nanticoke with serious injuries. The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office investigated. - Submitted by Michael Lowe
Heavy Damage in Wilmington Blaze On January 10, 2019, Wilmington firefighters on the B Platoon were alerted to a commercial structure fire on Lancaster Avenue. KFC employees alerted the New Castle County 911 Center of a fire in the storage area. Crews arrived to heavy smoke showing from the single-story building, and immediately established a water supply and began to stretch lines into the building. The initial arriving IC, Battalion Chief John Hoban, requested additional resources. Shortly after, Hoban ordered all personnel out of structure due to rapidly deteriorating conditions and a subsequent roof collapse. Deputy Chief Jerome McCaffery arrived with the additional resources and assumed command. A firefighter was treated for a leg injury at Wilmington Hospital and later released. The Wilmington Fire Marshal’s Office investigated. The following units responded: Engine 6, Engine 5, Squad 4, Engine 1, Squirt 3, Ladder 2, Ladder 1, Battalion 1, Battalion 2, Deputy 2, Battalion 12, F9, Deputy 4, St. Francis EMS, and New Castle County Paramedics. - Submitted by John M. Looney
Clayton Fire Destroys Barn, Kills Several Animals On December 28, 2018, Station 45, Engine Station 26, Tanker KCM Station 2 and Rescue Station 44 were alerted for the barn fire in the 1600 block of Harvey Straughn Road. Units arrived to find a 30- x 40-foot barn involved. Crews from Clayton and Townsend placed two handlines in service. The fire destroyed the barn, killing several farm animals. The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office investigated and determined the cause to be a malfunction in a heat lamp in the barn. Engine 51-3 covered Station 45. - Submitted by Skip Carrow, photos courtesy Joe Jones and Amber Johnson
Assist at Elkton Fire On December 23, 2018, Engine and Ladder 9 assisted the Singerly Fire Company on a working fire in the 200 block of Cherry Hill Road in Elkton (MD). - Submitted by Jeff Sands, photo courtesy of Dave Wilson
February 2019
Delaware Fire Service News, Page 11
I-495 MVC On November 25, 2018, Claymont volunteers handled the duty engine for the Nordel. Crews were alerted to an MVC on fire along I-495 northbound just prior to Naamans Road. Engine 13’s T. Mixon requested additional BLS for several injuries, while the crews worked to extinguish the fire. Engine 115 was requested to assist. - Submitted by Gary Plotts
Garage Fire Extends On November 25, 2018, the Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company was alerted to the 100 Block of Abigail Lane in the Pickering Pointe development for a house fire that started in the garage with extension to the front exterior of the residence. CamdenWyoming and Little Creek assisted. - Submitted by Ryan Buff
Page 12, Delaware Fire Service News
February 2019
Smyrna Mobile Home Fire Citizens' Hose Company responded for a mobile home fire on December 1, 2018, on Hemlock Way in the Holly Hills Estate in Smyrna. - Submitted by Gene Shaner
3 FF Injured in Cheswold Church Fire Around 0100 on New Year’s Eve 2018, Cheswold Fire Company was alerted to a possible building fire at the Little Union Church on West Denney’s Road. Dover, Leipsic and Kent County EMS were also alerted as part of the box assignment. Engine 43-3 arrived to find a small, single-story church with heavy fire showing. Dover Ladder 1 arrived and assisted with the attack. After the fire was darkened down from the exterior, crews advanced in the front door. Shortly after entering, a partial collapse occurred injuring three firefighters. A Mayday was quickly declared. The three injured firefighters were treated and released the same day from Kent General. Units on scene: Cheswold Engine 43-3, Tower 43, 43-2, A-43, Dover Ladder 1, Ladder 2, Engine 2, Leipsic Squad 53, Rescue 53, Medic KM5, Ambulance A-63, and Ambulance A-41. Citizens’ Hose covered Cheswold until they responded to a working alarm in their district as Cheswold units were clearing the scene. - Submitted by Tucker Dempsey
February 2019
Delaware Fire Service News, Page 13
Dogs Die in Harrington Shed Fire On January 5, 2019, at 0237, the Harrington Fire Company was dispatched for a shed fire in the 2300 Block of Gun and Rod Club Road. Firefighters arrived to find a 25- x 25-foot shed fully involved. Crews placed one line in service and brought the fire under control in about 20 minutes. Crews remained on scene performing overhaul and assisting the Fire Marshal. No injuries were reported, but eight dogs died in the fire. The cause of the fire was being investigated by the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office. Units on scene: Command 50, 50-4, 50-2, 50-5, A50, FM-13 and Harrington Police. OIC: Deputy Chief Earl K. Brode. - Submitted by Deputy Chief Earl K. Brode
Family Displaced by Newark Fire Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company, along with mutual aid from Christiana, Mill Creek Stations 2 and 21, Cranston Heights, and Hockessin Station 19, were dispatched to the unit block of Newbrook Road in Windy Hills for a residential fire. Crews arrived to find smoke and fire showing from the C-side of a two-story, single-family dwelling. An upgrade added New Castle County Paramedics to the response, as well as an additional ambulance from Hockessin. The fire had extended to the second floor and basement but was quickly extinguished. Searches were negative but two cats were rescued in good condition. One occupant was evaluated by ALS/BLS for smoke inhalation, but refused transport. Two adults and three children were displaced and the Red Cross assisted. The Delaware State Fire Marshals found no working smoke detectors in the house. Assistant Chief Sands had Command. - Submitted by John Farrell IV
Page 14, Delaware Fire Service News
February 2019
Millsboro Extrication Millsboro EMS and Rescue responded to an MVC with extrication on Conaway Road. The driver was treated and transported by Millsboro EMS and SCEMS. Millsboro Fire Police closed the road until the scene was cleared. - Submitted by Larry Gum
Rollover, Pin, in Newark MVC On December 14, 2018, Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company, along with New Castle County Paramedics, were dispatched to the intersection of Christina Parkway and Science Boulevard for an MVC with rollover. Harrington Fire Company Engine 50-5 was providing a cover-up for Aetna’s Company elections and also responded. An off-duty NCC Special Operations member arrived first and advised of a twovehicle MVC with rollover and one trapped. Responders arrived to find one vehicle on its side with the driver pinned in the vehicle. Crews stabilized the vehicle, flapped the roof, and then lifted with air bags to free the patient, who was transported by ALS and BLS to Christiana Hospital. A second patient was transported by BLS also to Christiana Hospital. The Newark Police Department was handling the investigation and Deputy Chief Schall had Newark Command. - Submitted by Jeff Sands
Farmington Handles MVC Farmington Station 47 along with Ambulance 52, KM8 and Trooper 2 responded to an MVC with rollover on Deep Grass Lane. - Submitted by Tom Williams
February 2019
Delaware Fire Service News, Page 15
First Snow Brings MVC with Entrapment
On November 15, 2018, Station 45 along with Ambulance 64, KM6, ping part of the roof back and out of the way making access for KM5 and Trooper 4 were dispatched for an MVC with a vehicle EMS. Both occupants were transported to Bayhealth in Dover. - Submitted by Skip Carrow, overturned and a subject trapped on Vandyke-Green Spring Road. photo courtesy Jerry Hull and Joe Jones Units arrived to find two people trapped. Once the vehicle was stabilized, the crews went to work removing the windshield and flap-
Page 16, Delaware Fire Service News
February 2019
MVC on Philadelphia Pike Early on December 4, 2018, Claymont was alerted for an MVC with entrapment in the 2900 block of Philadelphia Pike. Rescue 13 (T.Boroi) put the crew to work with stabilization and spreaders. The patient was safely removed and handed off to C13 for transport to Wilmington ER. - Submitted by Gary Plotts
Harrington Responds to MVC with Entrapment On January 14, 2019, at 0542, the Harrington Fire Company, Kent County Paramedics and Delaware State Police Aviation were dispatched to an MVC on South DuPont Highway, north of Hammondtown Road. Firefighters arrived to find a single vehicle with heavy front end damage from striking the rear of a tractor trailer. The lone occupant of the vehicle was trapped, and firefighters worked for approximately 18 minutes to free the driver. He was transported by Delaware State Police Aviation to Christiana Hospital for treatment. The driver of the tractor trailer was uninjured. OIC: Fire Chief Robbie Brode. Units responding were: Command 50, A-50, C-50, Rescue 50, 50-1, DSP Aviation (Trooper 4), DSP, Harrington PD, Fire Police and Del-Dot. - Submitted by Earl K. Brode
I-95 Fatal MVC On December 20, 2018, Five Points, Minquadale and New Castle County Paramedics were alerted for an MVC on Interstate 95 southbound just before Interstate 295. Units arrived to find an SUV crashed into the back of a construction trailer with a person trapped in the passenger seat. Goodwill Ladder 18 was returning from another alarm and arrived. Units used hydraulic tools to extricate the victim from the vehicle, who was transported to Christiana Hospital and succumbed to the injuries. Two other persons were injured and were transported to the same hospital. An investigation determined the SUV struck another SUV parked on the shoulder and a construction worker standing in front of that vehicle. Neither occupant of the SUV was wearing a seatbelt. - Submitted by Chuck Hayes
Wires Down on MVC On January 13, 2019, at 2206, Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company was alerted for an MVC with entrapment in the 2400 block of Irish Hill Road. A past chief of the department arrived to find a single vehicle versus an electrical pole with wires down on the vehicle, and one subject trapped. Crews had to wait for the arrival of the power company to secure the electrical wires before they could extricate the patient, who was transported to an area hospital for evaluation. The scene was turned over to the Delaware State Police for investigation. - Submitted by Ryan Buff
February 2019
Delaware Fire Service News, Page 17
Page 18, Delaware Fire Service News
February 2019
Delaware Fire Service in Action
icles 00 call for three veh s responded to a 03 ucture was protected ter gh efi fir oro llsb str Mi e. Using CAFS, the itted by Larry Gum on fire at a residenc uished. - Subm ing ext es fir e icl veh and
On December 3, 201 8, crews responded to I-9 southbound near the state line for an MV 5 C. - Submitted by Gary Plotts
Clayton apparatus at a structure fire. - Submitted by Skip Carrow, photo courtesy Jerry Hull
alerted to a On October 30, 2018, Rescue 23 (Minquas) was ls. storage building fire in the rear of Conrad Schoo - Submitted by Chuck Hayes
and a FF injured at a An occupant was saved, . Kimberton Townhouse fire - Submitted by Jeff Sands
On October 30, 2018, Five Points, New Castle County Medic 7 B and Trooper 4 were alerted for an MVC with a vehicle into a building in the 1600 block of Bonwood Road in Alban Park. - Submitted by Chuck Hayes
A Vernon Road MVC on November 9, 2018. - Submitted by Earl Brode
On January 17, 201 9, the Harrington Fir e a report of an odor in a building on Milfo Company responded to rd-Harrington High way. - Submitted by Earl Brode
February 2019
Delaware Fire Service News, Page 19
Delaware Fire Service in Action
Farmington Station 47 performe - Submitted by Tom d draft training. Williams ed to a gas leak. Harrington respond rl Brode Ea by d itte bm - Su
On January 5, 2019, the Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company responded for a single-vehicle MVC with a subject trapped. - Submitted by Ryan Buff
Quick stop at Wilmington M-o-R house fire. - Submitted by Andrew JE Cavanaugh
ur Park. Good stop in Arbo Sands; f Jef by d itte bm - Su pher Dave Wilson gra oto Ph tna Ae photo courtesy of
Three people were injured in Clayton MVC. - Submitted by Skip Carrow, photo courtesy Mike Carroll and Joe Jones
A Garfield Avenue arson. - Submitted by Gary Plotts
Page 20, Delaware Fire Service News
February 2019
Christiana’s Perillo, Reeder Honored; 2019 Officers Installed
On December 18, 2018 at the Christiana Fire Company monthly meeting there was a change of command and a very special honor bestowed to a former chief. After six years of dedicated and successful service, Chief Richard Perillo passed the mantle of command to new Chief Kevin Cowperthwait. Chief Perillo was responsible for many achievements during his tenure. A complete replacement of the apparatus fleet and increasing our career staffing to 18 personnel, including a career captain and three lieutenants, are just two of those many accomplishments. Chief Perillo was presented with an award, and he and his family were presented with an all-expenses-paid trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Chief Cowperthwait assumes the role of chief having served as Deputy Chief prior to and during all of Chief Perillo’s tenure. He is faced with the challenges of placing in service the CFC’s first tower ladder, accepting delivery of a new Engine 6, and preparing the company to operate out of temporary quarters for up to two years while a new
Christiana Apartment Fire On November 1, 2018, Christiana Fire and mutual aid companies were dispatched to a multi-residential structure fire at the Cavalier Country Club Apartments. The fire was extinguished and the crews opened up to check for extension as other units arrived. Several other apartments were ventilated due to smoke conditions. Deputy 12 (Cowperthwait) had command. Units responding were: E12, E6, L12, SQ23, SQ9, RE216, L18, L28, Deputy 12, Command 12, Command 3. Christiana Assists Aetna On December 7, 2018, at 2242 hours, E12 and L12 were alerted to assist Aetna Hose Hook and Ladder on a commercial structure fire at the Super 8 Motel on Main Street in Newark. Christiana units were in service for two hours. 3 Hour Fight at Brookside Fire On November 6, 2018, E 12 and L 12 responded to assist Aetna Hose Hook and Ladder on a residential structure fire in the community of Brookside. Units were committed for three hours. Save at Kimberton Townhouse Fire On November 12, 2018, E 12 and L 12 were dispatched to assist Aetna Hose Hook and Ladder on a residential fire in the Kimberton townhouse community. While en route, units were advised there was a subject trapped at a
station is built. Chief Cowperthwait is highly respected for his command skills and is known as a “fireman’s fireman.” For only the third time in the 97-year history of the company, the honor of Chief Emeritus was bestowed upon past-Chief and currentPresident Brian Reeder. Brian served as Fire Chief on two separate occasions for nine years. He is considered the chief responsible for implementing the operating procedures that define Christiana’s fireground actions today. This was an honor that was approved unanimously by the membership at a previous company meeting and was a surprise for Chief Reeder. His wife, Christine and children, Patrick, Paige and Piper were in attendance. Chief Cowperthwait’s Executive Staff for 2019 are: Deputy Chief Jack McPartland; Deputy Chief Drew McPartland; and Assistant Chiefs Bob Pressler, Mike Lombardo, Dennis Godek, Matt Netsch and Kevin Semonelle. - Submitted by Dennis Godek and Don Moorhead
second-floor-rear window. Aetna units arrived and removed the victim from the structure via a ladder on the Charlie side. Units operated for four hours. Christiana Assists at Windy Hill Fire On December 5, 2018, E 12 was dispatched to assist Aetna Hose Hook and Ladder on a residential fire in the Windy Hills community. E 12 and E9 had arrived to find fire showing from the two-story, single-family home. There was fire on the first floor which auto exposed up the Charlie side into the second floor. Assistant Chief Sands had command. Command 12 was assigned to supervise operations. Crews operated for two hours. Intentional Gas Spill On January 4, 2019, Christiana Fire was dispatched to stand by in the area of Freedom Trail in Saddlebrook Townhouses. The New Castle County Police were en route for a report that gasoline had been poured throughout the residence. E 12, L 12 and Command 12 (Godek) responded. Crews were met with a heavy odor of gasoline in the street. Entry to the residence revealed several occupants, extreme gasoline odors, and a report that an individual responsible had fled. The residence was in the middle of a row of 10 townhouses. NCCPD evacuated occupants of all 10 residences. E 12 established a water supply and stretched a handline. L 18
assisted L 12 with air monitoring in the exposures. Crews performed natural ventilation in the original residence and then used a PPV fan. NCCPD reported all occupants evacuated. DNREC and the DSFMO arrived and after approximately 45 minutes of ventilation, DNREC reported that the danger of an explosion and/or ignition had passed. With the exception of the original residence, all occupants were permitted to return to their homes. Companies responding were: E 12, E 18, SQ 23, E 32, L 12, L 18, L 28, A 12, M 2, ALS 18. Underground Propane Tank Fire On January 4, 2019, Christiana Fire and mutual aid companies were dispatched to the community of The Woods for an underground propane tank on fire in the front yard. SQ 23 established a water supply and found fire coming from the vent of an underground propane tank. Deputy 6 (A. McPartland) had command. The propane ignited as two workers were emptying the tank in preparation for its eventual removal. Two firefighters, under the protection of the handlines, closed two valves, extinguishing the fire. One of the workers suffered facial and arm burns. He was treated on scene by A 12 and M 7 and transported to CER. Other units responding were:, E 14, SQ 17 (RIT), RE 216, L 28, L 18, M 7 and A 12. - Submitted by Dennis Godek
February 2019
Delaware Fire Service News, Page 21
Page 22, Delaware Fire Service News
February 2019
Pioneers of the Delaware Fire Service By Bob Romig In this issue, I would like to introduce you to Tom DiCristafaro, better known as ‘Tommy D.’ Tom is the Emperor of the NorDel territory (most of you know what this means) and is President of the Claymont Fire Company, a position he has held for over 27 years. Tom has also held the following positions within the department: Fire Recorder, Personnel Officer, PIO, Director, Recording Secretary and Vice-President, so he had a well-rounded background and apparently is doing a great job as President. He is still an active apparatus driver for the department. He joined the fire service as a result of some of the gang that hung out together at the now-gone Holiday Lanes. His childhood friend, Chuck Dawson, whose late father was a past-Chief, and his uncle Bill Dempsey, was a past-Chief and pastPresident (also his mailman so they would talk about all the big fires). These were probably the most notable folks that influenced him into joining. Tom joined the Claymont Fire Company in March 1974 and graduated from DelCastle Vo-Tech in 1976 with a vast knowledge of carpentry. I’m not sure how that background helped him get his next job, which was running overhead cranes at Phoenix Steel. The next three years he ran the fabrication shop for Hydro-Matic Systems, a fire sprinkler fire company, founded by three fire line officers at Claymont Fire Company. In 1988 he joined Allied Signal, better known as Honeywell, and worked for them for 27 years working in the specialty chemical field as a pipe fitter. Not sure that he was doing that all the time, because many times when I called him he answered the phone within the first two rings. Tom retired from Honeywell in 2015 at the age of 56. While he was actively involved with Claymont Fire Company, he also held other fire service offices to include Director, NCCVFA; appointed as Fire Commissioner on the State Fire Commission, and held that job for seven years until recently being elected as a Director for the DVFA. His dad and uncle grew up in West Grove about one block from the West Grove Fire Company and were members there, so the fire service was in Tom’s blood. Tommy said he joined the company because he had some friends that were there and thought maybe he could be an asset to the community, which he has proven to be. His words of wisdom for the younger generation coming on board is stay in school, get an education, and do everything they can while in school — sports, choir, drama club, or whatever — because when you get out of school, life and time will fly by. Just ask some of us old timers! One the most memorable moments in his career was when, after serving 18 years as President, then stepping down to serve on the Fire Commission, the company awarded him President Emeritus. This award was presented by then-President Edwin Anderson, III, and also at that time he was presented Firefighter of the Year by then-Chief Eric ‘Ceaser’ Haley. These two events were the highlight of his career so far. I asked Tommy D, who were the people in his life that influenced him to continue to serve in the fire service.
He said a few of those folks were people like past-Chief Edwin Anderson, III; past-Chief William Kelly, who he said was one of the quickest thinking and smartest fire chiefs that he has ever dealt with and — last but not least — current Chief Mark Harris, who is not only an outstanding fire chief, but someone he has worked side-by-side with for well over 31 years. I know them all and have to concur with Tom. I asked Tom what were some of the events that have happened to him while serving with the fire company and he responded with the following: Naaman’s Apartments; Greentree Apartments (where they lost the entire building); Top of the Hill Apartments on a snowy day in January with heavy fire through the roof and he was on one of the first pieces and the hydrant hit was frozen! One apartment fire in particular stands out in his mind; one in his own apartment building when the smoke alarm went off and his roommate, Captain Ken Travers, and Tom had to dive out a secondfloor window. This event stands out vividly for Tom because as soon as Ken hit the ground he made his way into the burning apartment and pulled two people to safety. Tom said he will always remember the heroic efforts of Captain Travers that night. Tom also related that he saw numerous incidents at Phoenix Steel while he worked there. Some of the happier things he remembers about being with the fire company were the family things they used to do: company picnics at Camp Matahoon; family outings, pot luck Thanksgiving dinner in the hall and many of the crazy and wild banquets. Yes, I did attend a few of those and can say that I had a great time. As Tom says, they were the good old days. I asked Tom what was his mission within the fire service organizations. He said that for the last 10 years, and now as a Director for the DVFA, it has been alternative funding. (Tom, I think it has been longer than that, because I have been gone almost 15 years now and remember you talking about it back before I left Delaware.) We have come up with numerous ideas over the years only to be put off by the local politicians. It’s time to make funding for staffing a reality! Staffed stations are making a difference and we need to have funding in place for it. He will be directing all of his efforts to make this happen, but as always, time will tell. Tommy D just celebrated 44 years of service with the Claymont Fire Company and is looking to many, many more. As he proceeds throughout the Directors position with the DVFA and hopefully goes through the chairs to the Presidency, he will be President of DVFA and, at the same time, celebrate his 50th anniversary with Claymont Fire Company. This would be a monumental accomplishment Mr DiCristafaro. I wish you the best of luck, and I may even have to fly up to attend that year and see you meet that goal, my good friend. Of course, we can’t forget mentioning that he has been married to his lovely wife Cathy for 32 years. They have two wonderful children, Anthony and Maria. Anthony and his wife-to-be just blessed them with their first grandchild, Aviana. Congratulations Pop Pop. Don’t spoil her too much.
Page 24, Delaware Fire Service News
February 2019
NEMSAC, NAEMT Wrap Ups
NEMSAC Meeting, Washington D.C.
The current NEMSAC Chairperson is Vincent Robbins of the MONOC, one of New Jersey’s largest hospital-based EMS systems and its current President and CEO. In addition, Dr. Jon Krohmer of the NHTSA is the NEMSAC Designated Federal Officer (DFO) who is directed to oversee all NEMSAC meetings by the Secretary of the DOT. The entire membership and designation are all selected by the Secretary of the DOT and consists of 25 individuals representing all sectors of EMS nationwide. • Volunteer EMS • EMS Educators • Fire-based (career) EMS • Public Safety Call-taker/ • Private (career non-fire) EMS Dispatcher (911) • Hospital-based EMS • EMS Data Managers • Tribal EMS • EMS Quality Improvement • Air Medical EMS • EMS Researchers • Local EMS Service Directors/ • Emergency Nurses Administrations • Hospital Administration • EMS Medical Directors • Public Health • Emergency Physicians • Emergency Management • Trauma Surgeons • EMS Practitioners • Pediatric Emergency Physicians • Consumers (not directly • State EMS Directors affiliated with an EMS or • State Highway Safety Directors healthcare organization) • State or Local Legislative Bodies
Each of the above consisted of the following:
Five doctors; three RNs; four directors; two Fire/EMS chiefs; two college professors; Air Med-, Hospital Based-, Public Health Advocate-, Private Sector-EMS; a few educators; and myself. During the two dates that the meeting was held there was some discussion on the future of EMS overall and where EMS will be in the year of 2050. There is a current study that has been generated entitled EMS Agenda 2050. With the presence of far better technology and the continued improvements for the future EMS will no doubt be going through continuous changes in its delivery nationally and worldwide. Just take a look back when the previous study on the future of EMS back in 1996 was developed and think about all the upgrades, skills, interventions and improvements that have transpired since, especially on how many additional lives have been saved. There were two comments that concerned me, with the one being the preferred use of the term “Practitioner” instead of “Pre-hospital Provider.” I questioned the need for the change as even Medicare uses the term “Pre-hospital Provider” often. The other comment was that it appears Volunteer EMS will be phased out in the future. I don’t ever see this happening, especially in any type of rural setting, including our state and region. The main reasons that I stated my involvement in my selection to NEMSAC, with that being; “Funding, Staffing and Safety.” I hope to be able to be selected to the sub-committees to voice my concerns on the above items/topics. However, I will be asking those that are involved in EMS here in our state and regionally, at any level, their thoughts, ideas and concerns so I can present them to these meetings.
NAEMT Annual Meeting, Nashville, TN.
On Monday, October 29, 2018, I arrived at the MCCC for the 0800 NAEMT Board of Directors meeting. The meeting was called to order by NAEMT President Dennis Rowe and all officers and board members were present and introduced. There were also introductions and brief reports from leaders of various national organizations. In addition listed below are some remarks, updates of issues, events etc… that I’m sharing that I was able to take notes on.
The following issues were discussed: • “NFPA 3000” • Active Shooter. • Narcan on every emergency repsonse unit. • Vaccines for all responders (ie: flu, tetanus, Hepititis, etc.) as some responders are not able to obtain any. • PTSD programs needs to be available 24/7. • Cancer prevention programs. • Have ongoing training to include CPR, tourniquets and narcan all at the same time. There was a special introduction of Bill Seifarth, the NEW Director of the NREMT. Mr. Seifarth made the following comments: • The states of NJ and WV are the newest states to adopt the NREMT as its certification standard. • The states of UT and FL are close and pending. • There are currently 16 states that are in REPLICA (Recognition of EMS Personnel Licensure Interstate CompAct) and hopefully more will follow so that red tape in crossing state lines will no longer be an issue under national standards/requirements. • The NREMT recertification fee increase was tabled until the 2019 recertification time frame, in which it will be increased $5. • Recent stats do indicate a shortage of EMTs nationwide, however there has been a recent increase in the enrollment of NREMT. National average is at approximately a 12 to 13 percent decrease. Special guest speaker Dr. Jon Krohmer of the NHTSA/DOT/NEMSAC was then introduced. His topic was the new “EMS Agenda 2050.” Where will EMS be in the year 2050 and how will EMS be utilized and deal with the futue challenges. He invisions the following posible concepts: • EMS will be strictly a business. • All EMS providers or practitioners will need to be compensated with some type of financial re-embursement. • Volunteer EMS will be elimated or it will be entirely a career paid position, however how will EMS work in rural areas? • What should EMS be called in the future or by 2050? • Will EMS be strictly emergencies or routine non-emergency transports? • What will EMS education classes be like and will they be entirely computerized online classes? • Will telemedicine and/or drones be utilized in the field for EMS? • Can Ultrasound be used correctly and safely in ambulances? • Will there be enough funding for healthcare re-embursement? UPDATES Update by Rick Patrick of the USFA indicates that 60 percent of all classes at NFA are EMS-related programs and three-quarters of all fire companies provide EMS. The NFA is providing advanced training, coordinating of EMS programs and the use of EMS best practice. There are annually 18 EMS programs at the NFA. NAEMSO providing some updates: • EMS provider fatigue is becoming more of a problem, issues with scheduling, how to reduce fatigue, caffeine not really helping and napping while on duty between runs. • In 2017 there were 4,500 ambulance related crashes where 84 percent of the EMS providers in the ambulance compartment were unsecured/not seatbelted. There were 33 deaths. Go to “safeambulances.org” for additional info. • The evolution of the 911 system “911.gov” indicating that CPR Life Links that puts 911 and EMS together to enhance more saves. • I was able to introduce several of my DE EMS leaders/friends who also attended to some of our NAEMT leaders as well as past President and National Speaker Ken Bouvier. - Submitted by W. Mike McMichael, DSEMSA Secretary
February 2019
Delaware Fire Service News, Page 25
SCEMS
New System Provides Safer, Faster, Custom Treatment for Pediatric Responses
Sussex County Emergency Medical Service’s (SCEMS) has a new system to help them provide safer, rapid, and effective emergency care for ill and injured children. The agency recently implemented the Handtevy Pediatric System, a set of tools and special training in pediatric care that can help Paramedics and EMTs provide customized care to injured and ill patients, often during extremely stressful circumstances. Children often require special equipment sizes and medication doses tailored to a child’s age and weight. It can be extremely challenging in the high-stress circumstances of caring for a critically injured or ill child to make the calculations necessary to provide age-appropriate care. Fortunately, pediatric calls are infrequent. However, the infrequency of these calls challenges our provider’s ability to keep their pediatric care skills honed and ready. While SCEMS has always carried equipment and medications to provide high-quality care for all ages of patiens, this new system enhances the ability to provide age-specific care. The Handtevy system enhances our provider’s knowledge, and confidence necessary to start critical treatments on-scene, before transporting a child to the hospital. It enables them to have a customizable tool to provide more accurate and timely treatment. The Handtevy System allowed SCEMS to create a customized tool
that represents all of the pediatric emergency medications and equipment that we carry and helps our providers immediately and accurately determine how much drug they should give based on a child’s age or weight. The Handtevy system achieves 100-percent dosing accuracy for all of the drugs carried by Sussex County Paramedics. The Handtevy system optimizes our providers performance, confidence and accuracy. Through the Handtevy System, we can provide medications to treat pain and treat lifethreatening injuries or illnesses within seconds of arriving on scene, safer and more accurately. Paramedics are excited about having this new system. Paramedic/Field Training Officer Jordan Dattoli says, “The Handtevy Pediatric System takes the stress out of pediatric emergencies. It makes errors much less likely and makes all of us more comfortable doing our jobs. This makes caring for kids so much easier and less scary, because I don’t have to do math under stress anymore.” Handtevy, developed and distributed by Pediatric Emergency Standards, Inc., is a revolutionary pediatric resuscitation system that combines customization, consultation, education and organization to empower healthcare providers to rapidly and accurately respond to any pediatric call with ease and confidence. Learn more at www.Handtevy.com. - Submitted by Glenn Marshall
Matt Troutman Promoted SCEMS Welcomes Lori Heck to Their Administrative Staff to Paramedic III SCEMS is pleased to welcome Clerk II
SCEMS is pleased to announce the promotion of Matt Troutman to the position of Paramedic III. The Paramedic III is the senior member of the crew, teaches pre-hospital care skills, develops training programs and oversees assigned projects or programs. Those achieving the rank will have successfully completed the testing and interview process. Matt is a Field Training Officer, chair of the simulation committee, member of the HazMat team and competition team. SCEMS congratulates Matt on his promotion and wishes him the best of luck in his career with SCEMS. - Submitted by Glenn Marshall
Lori Heck to our administrative staff. Lori was born in Florida and raised in Sussex County. She attended Delaware Technical and Community College graduating with an Associate Degree in Elementary Education. Lori resides in Georgetown with her husband and two dogs. She is a member of the Georgetown Fire Company Auxiliary and operates a cake business part time. SCEMS wishes Lori the best of luck with her career with SCEMS. - Submitted by Glenn Marshall
Sussex County EMS Renews Training Agreement With Beebe Healthcare The Sussex County Council unanimously approved a memorandumof-understanding (MOU) between Beebe Healthcare and Sussex County EMS. While the two entities have had MOUs in the past, EMS Education Coordinator Edward Engdahl, Sr., said they now have the opportunity to expand the agreement for the purposes of education. “Under the new MOU, paramedics will be afforded clinical learning opportunities under physician supervision in the operating room, in the cardiac catheterization lab, as well as the emergency room, to maintain a high level of proficiency in advanced airway-management and intravenous-access skills,” said Engdahl. According to the MOU, Beebe will provide on-site clinical learning opportunities for “paramedics to perfect their individual skills, with an emphasis on IV assessment and intubation, including, but not limited to, intubating elective surgery patients under the guidance of the hospital’s anesthesia departments.”
“The hospital will afford opportunities for new paramedics, experienced paramedics needing a generalized refresher on varied topics and procedures, experienced paramedics with identified needs in a performance improvement plan, paramedics with limited field opportunities and paramedics with low success rates for intubation.” “Expanding the MOU to allow paramedic observation and education in the catheterization lab and operating room helps to maintain the high education and training standards of the paramedics by allowing more exposure to patients requiring specific skills, in a controlled setting, under the supervision of a provider who is a master in their field,” added Engdahl. He noted that the expanded MOU would be at no cost to the county. The council approved the MOU with a 5-0 vote. With council’s vote, the MOU went into effect immediately for three years, terminating on December 31, 2021. - Submitted by Chip Guy
Page 26, Delaware Fire Service News
February 2019
NCC*EMS
Cruz, Hamrick Paramedics of the Quarter On January 16, 2019, Paramedics Miguel Cruz and Michelle Hamrick were recognized by the Kiwanis Club of Wilmington as the Paramedics of the Quarter for the fourth quarter of 2018. The Kiwanis Club of Wilmington hosted the quarterly awards luncheon at the Hotel DuPont in Wilmington. Paramedics Cruz and Hamrick were cited for their successful resuscitation of an 11week-old infant in cardiac arrest in November 2018 while assigned to Medic 6. The paramedics successfully restored the baby's pulse following initiation of advanced life support measures that included defibrillation before initiating transport. They arrived at the hospital with the child breathing on its own and actively crying. (Left to right): Chief Lawrence Tan, Paramedic Miguel Cruz, Paramedic Michelle Hamrick and Acting Director of Public Safety Michael Hojnicki. - Submitted by New Castle County EMS
2 FFs Hurt at Townsend Multi-Alarm
On November 5, 2018, at 0220, the New Castle County Emergency Communications Center dispatched a working commercial structure fire at Willey Farms on DuPont Parkway in Townsend. The New Castle County Paramedics responded to provide medical support to the firefighters at the incident. The incident was elevated to
multiple alarms as firefighters arrived to find fire showing through the roof. County paramedics treated and transported two firefighters during the operations, one to Christiana Hospital, the other to Middletown Emergency Department. - Submitted by New Castle County EMS
NCCEMS Handles 2 at MVC
Plumley, Mitchell Honored
December 8, 2018, at 0307, New Castle County Paramedics were dispatched to the area of Summit Aviation in the 4100 block of Summit Bridge Road for an MVC with subjects trapped. County paramedics and fire department personnel arrived to find a twovehicle collision with one subject trapped in a sedan, and another subject trapped under an overturned pick-up truck. It took fire department rescue personnel approximately 25 minutes to extricate both patients. One patient was flown by DSP helicopter to the Christiana Hospital Emergency Department, the other patient was transported by ground accompanied by New Castle County Paramedics. Both patients required activation of the hospital trauma teams. - Submitted by New Castle County EMS
Paramedic Mark Plumley (left) and Paramedic S/Cpl. Matthew Mitchell (right) were guests of the Penna family at the 1st Annual Anthony Penna Awards Celebration for the Anthony Penna Charitable Fund. The Anthony Penna Charitable Fund was established to, “inspire a lifelong passion for the performing arts by supporting students involved in their school’s band, choral, and theatre programs within our local community.” The event was hosted at the Queen in Wilmington on December 2, 2018, and marked the first distribution of scholarships and grants to schools and students in the performing arts. Paramedic Plumley and S/Cpl. Mitchell were involved in the September 29, 2017, response to a serious MVC that ultimately resulted in the passing of Anthony Penna. However, the family wanted to recognize the paramedics for their role in resuscitating Anthony, which enabled additional patients to benefit from his organ and tissue donation, and permitted the family to spend time with him before his passing. This was the first time the Penna family had met Plumley and Mitchell. - Submitted by New Castle County EMS
February 2019
Delaware Fire Service News, Page 27
NCC*EMS
Talleyville, NCCoEMS Handle MVC
On December 12, 2018, the New Castle County Paramedics were dispatched to an MVC on Rockland Road at Mount Lebanon Road. Talleyville Fire Company completed the extrication of a male patient, who was treated by county paramedics and transported via DSP helicopter to the Christiana Hospital Emergency Department. A “trauma alert� was activated by paramedics from the field. - Submitted by New Castle County EMS
1 Injured at Newark Motel Fire
December 7, 2018, New Castle County Paramedics were dispatched at 2243 to the Super 8 Motel in the 200 block of East Main Street in Newark for a report of a building fire. Initial reports indicated the possibility of two subjects trapped in the structure. Fire department units arrived to heavy fire showing. One subject was removed by the Newark Police before the arrival of fire apparatus. The subject was treated by county paramedics and transported to Christiana Hospital for smoke inhalation. - Submitted by New Castle County EMS and Jeff Sands, photo by Dave Wilson
Page 30, Delaware Fire Service News
February 2019
NCC*EMS
NCCo Hosts 2018 EMS Graduation and Appointment Ceremony
On November 19, 2018, the Emergency Medical Services Division of the New Castle County Department of Public Safety hosted their 2018 Paramedic Graduation and Appointment Ceremony. Seventeen members of the service were formally recognized as joining the county paramedic service. County Executive Matt Meyer attended the event, which was held at the Carriage House at Rockwood Park on Shipley Road. The 2018 Paramedic Graduation and Appointment Ceremony also recognized paramedics that had received their paramedic education before their appointment to the New Castle County Emergency Medical Service. Previously trained paramedics are still required to successfully complete the field certification process. Paramedics appointed to the service during 2016 and 2017 were recognized at the November 19, 2018 celebration. The Paramedic Graduation and Appointment Ceremony celebrates the successful completion of paramedic training and the field certification requirements needed to become a Delaware paramedic. During the
ceremony, honorees select a special person in their lives to pin their badge. Paramedic Alexander Hawthorne was selected to offer remarks on behalf of the honorees. The following personnel were recognized during the ceremony: New Castle County Paramedic Academy Class #2 (2016-2017): (Above, left) Paramedics Miguel C. Cruz, Michelle J. Hamrick, Alexander T. Hawthorne, Matthew A. Herman, Danielle M. Johnson, Brittney M. Paoli, Sarah E. Pedrick and Timothy I. Wheeler. Paramedic Class of 2017-2018: (Above, right) Paramedic Susan M. Maxwell. Appointed to the Service in 2016-2017: (Above, second from left) Paramedics Kristopher J. Collins; David M. Goroff; Christine M. Huovinen; Gregory A. Mea; Ivory E. Murray; Mark A. Plumley; Hector Romero, Jr.; and Ashley Tylenda. New Castle County established its paramedic service in 1975, and has been referred to as “The First Paramedic Service in The First State.” - Submitted by New Castle County EMS
NCCo Paramedic Retires After 38 Years of Service Senior Corporal Thomas Murphy, Jr., retired from the Emergency Medical Services Division of the Department of Public Safety on December 7, 2018 following 38 years of service. He completed his final shift on a New Castle County Paramedic unit on December 4, 2018, and was greeted by many of his co-workers, fire service colleagues and others as he departed Paramedic Station No. 3. S/Cpl. Murphy was appointed to the Emergency Medical Services Division in December 1980 as an Ambulance Cardiac Technician. He completed paramedic training at the Medical Center of Delaware in October 1984, and was subsequently promoted to Paramedic. He was promoted to the rank of Paramedic Corporal in 2004 and to his current rank in 2017. Murphy has been a CPR Instructor, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Instructor and Field Preceptor/Field Training Officer since 1990. He has participated in several projects throughout his career, including a Uniform Design Committee, Vehicle Design Committee, EMS for Children Grant Research Group, and the State Office of Paramedic Administration Paramedic Advisory Committee. He is a graduate of Delaware Technical and Community College where he received an Associate of Science degree in Emergency Services Management with honors. Murphy’s official commendations include a Distinguished Unit Citation, Pre-hospital Sudden Cardiac Arrest Save Citation (five awards), Unit Letter of Commendation (two awards), and Letter of Commendation (four awards). He was also the recent recipient of a Paramedic of the Quarter award by the Kiwanis Club of Wilmington. In June 2018, he had the opportunity to meet a woman he helped deliver on July 9, 1996, and reconnect with the parents 21 years after his participation with the emergency response to her birth at home. Murphy’s final assignment was EMS Operations, Medic 9, where he also served as an FTO. “Tom is the most senior paramedic in the Emergency Medical Services Division,” said Chief Lawrence E. Tan. “We thank him for his contributions to the service over the years, and wish him well in his well-deserved retirement.” - Submitted by New Castle County EMS
Page 32, Delaware Fire Service News
February 2019
Up Close & Personal
Chief Kevin Copperthwait of the Christiana Fire Company. - Submitted by Dennis Godek
Clayton firefighters at a chicken house fire. - Submitted by Skip Carrow, photo courtesy Jerry Hull
One resident injured in a January 13, 2019, house fire in Laurel. - Submitted by Michael Lowe
Citizens’ Hose Company responded for a mobile home fire on December 1, 2018, in the Holly Hills Estates. in Smyrna. - Submitted by Gene Shaner
Two cats rescued, five people displaced at a Windy Hils fire. - Submitted by John Farrell IV
Millsboro EMS and Rescue responded to an MVC with extrication on Conaway Road. - Submitted by Larry Gum
Smyrna mobile home fire on December 1, 2018. - Submitted by Gene Shaner
One firefighter was injured in Wilmington blaze on January 10, 2019. - Submitted by John M. Looney
Page 34, Delaware Fire Service News
February 2019
DELAWATE STATE FIRE SCHOOL
Delaware SP Recruit Class Completes Fire Survival Training The 92nd Delaware State Police Recruit Class and 87th Municipal Class completed its Law Enforcement Training on November 21, 2018. Forty-seven students in the current recruit class attended training obtaining their Hazardous Materials Awareness certification. They did evolutions on the Fire School grounds regarding ladder training, fire extinguishers, fire behavior and sprinkler systems. - Submitted by Michael Lowe
DSFS Announces New Marine FF Course The Delaware State Fire School (DSFS) is pleased to announce Marine Firefighting for the Land-Based Firefighter to be held at the DSFS New Castle Division in conjunction with the Tri-State Maritime Safety Association. The final determination of the course level will be dependent on the availability of a vessel to tour, and weather. If a tour can be accommodated, the class will be Harbor Incident Response Training, which combines Marine Firefighting Level I and II in a FEMA recognized course (NY002-RESP). If not, the class will be all classroom Marine Firefighter 1 (FEMA NJ-011-RESP). These programs are based on NFPA 1005 - Professional Qualifications for Marine Firefighter, and NFPA 1405 - Guide for Land Based Firefighters who respond to Marine Vessel Fires. For further information please contact Senior Instructor Chad Ingram. - Submitted by Chad Ingram
Winter Safety Tips: Reminding You to Remind Them As cold weather arrives we ask that everyone consider some Fire Safety Tips to prevent fires. NFIRS Statistics tell us that Delaware Fire Departments responded to 15,149 alarms during the period of December 2017 through February 2018. Please remind the citizens of your fire district to have their furnaces and chimneys cleaned and serviced. They should be reminded to use proper care with their fireplaces. Have a three-foot child-free zone around fireplaces, stoves and space heaters. As always, remind everyone to check smoke alarms as well as carbon monoxide alarms. - Submitted by Michael Lowe
D.S.F.S. to Host 2019 Officers Seminar The Delaware State Fire School’s annual Officers Seminar was held January 26, 2019, in Dover, with guest speaker Dan Kerrigan, Chief Fire Marshal from East Whiteland Township (PA) and co-author of Firefighter Functional Fitness to speak on overall firefighter health and fitness. Dan has spoken nationally on the topic and is a Peer Fitness Counselor through the International Association of Fire Fighters and International Association of Fire Chiefs and a Director of the The First Twentys Firefighter Functional Training Advisory Panel. He has over 30 years of experience on both the volunteer and career sides, having served from Firefighter through Deputy Chief and Chief Fire Marshal. - Submitted by Michael Lowe
FREE Event - Camp Fury Empowerment Day 2019 Join us at the Delaware State Fire School on February 9, 2019, from 0900 to 1200 for the second annual Empowerment Day hosted by Camp Fury Delaware. Not only will you listen to an inspiring presentation, and walk through our networking expo where we will showcase some of the agencies that our camp staff represent, but you will also help us kick off the six-month countdown until Camp Fury Delaware 2019. While we encourage campers and camper’s families to come to this event. ALL are welcome! Seating is limited to 150 people, so please consider pre-registering. We are excited to bring this event back for a second year. See you on February 9! To Register visit our website: www.statefireschool. dela ware.gov/fire-emergency-services-camps/. Complete the Empowerment Day registration form, and either e-mail it to us at fire.school@state.de.us or bring it with you to Empowerment Day. Contact Sarah Davis Highberger at 302-650-7336 or CampFuryDelaware@gmail.com.
February 2019
Delaware Fire Service News, Page 35
DELAWATE STATE FIRE SCHOOL
Industrial Training Flourishing at DSFS AdvanSix Chemical Company plants from Hopewell and Chesterfield, Virginia, completed Interior and Exterior Industrial Brigade programs over the first two weeks of December. In each, the students learned skills to combat liquid and gas fires, as well as structural fires in the industrial setting, instilling working together in a group. AdvanSix is an American chemical company that is comprised of Honeywell’s Resins and Chemicals division. They are a fully integrated manufacturer of Nylon 6 resin, chemical intermediates, and ammonium sulfate fertilizer. - Submitted by Vinnie Miller
Progressive Ag Safety Training On November 7, 2018, Senior Instructor Mike Lowe and Field Instructor Wendy Lowe attended Progressive Ag Safety’s Annual Coordinator Training. The program was hosted by the West Virginia University Extension Office, in Morgantown, WV. Instructors reviewed lesson plans, resources, policies and procedures regarding the program. - Submitted by Michael Lowe
Page 36, Delaware Fire Service News
February 2019
Ringing the Bell for Change
The weather was frightfully cold, wet and windy but our volunteers had warm hearts and contagious smiles. The Kent County Volunteer Firefighters Association (KCVFA) in conjunction with the Kent County Fire Police Association and the Kent County Volunteer Firefighters Auxiliary Association (KCVFAA) got together to make some joyous noise. Actually, it was a lot of fun. On Saturday, December 15, 2018, and Saturday, December 22, the volunteers got together at Sam’s Club in Dover to “Ring the Bell for Change” to support the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign. The bell ringing shift started at 0900 and ended 12 hours later each Saturday. Some members took a longer shift. Many thanks to Benny O’Neil (Leipsic) First Vice-President, KCVFA; Mike Berry (Frederica) President, Kent County Fire Police Association; Joe Zeroles (Harrington/Farmington) past-State President, Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association (DVFA); Randy Wood (Felton) Fire Police Officer plus Bell Ringing Committee Chairperson; and Sherry Clark, Harrington Auxiliary President, for ringing the bell four hours or more. That was real dedication and an outstanding effort. Thanks to Terry Whitham (Dover), DVFA Treasurer, for stopping by to make a donation to the Salvation Army, give support and offer words of encouragement to the volunteers. The enthusiastic group of volunteers collected the second largest kettle of the day which was $1,248.63. On December 22 they went one step better, collecting a one-day total of $1,305.50, for a total of $2,554.13 collected over the two days. Volunteers from Camden-Wyoming (41); Farmington (47); Felton (48) Frederica (49); Harrington (50); Leipsic (53); Little Creek (54); and South Bowers (57) did their part to help support a worthy cause. The volunteers were asked to wear company branded shirts, hats, coats,
bunker gear and helmets to show company pride. Harington bell ringers went all out this year, bringing a beautiful hand-made sign and red plastic junior firefighter helmets to give away to the children. The look on the children’s faces when a helmet was received was priceless. Way to go Harrington! Volunteers, no matter how long they stayed, received coupons for free stuff such as Royal Farms coffee, Taco Bell, Outback Steak House and Chipotles. Wal-Mart gave a few $5 gift cards to help with holiday shopping. A big thank you to the merchants who helped. And thank you to Sam’s Club for their help and support plus the use of their nice, clean, warm rest rooms! The highlight of the first Saturday was the Milford Community Band making an unannounced appearance. The musicians, disguised as a merry band of Santa’s elves, played seasonal favorites for several hours in the cold. Patrons leaving Sam’s Club got into the Christmas Spirit and cheerfully gave larger than expected donations … several began to sing and even dance to the music. The musical extravaganza was full of personality, entertainment and lots of fun. The band received coupons for free Royal Farms Coffee for their outstanding effort. The music was fabulous. You may be asking yourself … What did Donna do when everyone else was ringing the bell? Well, Donna was in charge of crowd control; merchandise loading; finding lost children; shopping cart round-up and slow but sure handicap transportation unit locator and return, while wearing bunker gear. Oh! What Fun it Is to Ride Let’s do it again … and perhaps you may want to join us next year! - Submitted by Donna Sivley
February 2019
Delaware Fire Service News, Page 37
Page 38, Delaware Fire Service News
Leipsic Donates Engine to East Fork Volunteers
February 2019
Leipsic Engine 53-5 has left the shores of Delaware Bay for a new assignment in the West Virginia coal fields. Leipsic Chief Joey Marker, Jim Wosnicki and Boe Virdin worked with Chief John Hall, Jr., of the East Fork Volunteer Fire Department just outside of Williamson (WV), who were in need of an engine. Engine 53-5 is a 1986 Kenworth 4-Guys pumper with a 1,250-gpm pump and a 1,000-gallon water tank. The donation was facilitated by the DVFA
Out of State Coordinating Committee. Chief Hall coincidentally is the President of the West Virginia State Firemen’s Association. Assisting volunteer fire companies outside our borders has always been a hallmark of the Delaware Fire Service. Companies who are considering donating apparatus or equipment can always call upon the DVFA to assist with the transfer. - Submitted by Steve Austin
Clayton Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary Member of the Year
Clayton Ladies Auxiliary Installation
This year’s recipient of the Clayton Fire Company’s Ladies Auxiliary Member of the Year was Jeanette Hurlock. When introduced, President Mary Ellen DeBenedictis said, “Since joining the auxiliary in 1980 Jeanette is always there to help. Whether it is baking pies for dinners, setting up for dinners, or just being there to help, Jeanette is one you can always count on.” Jeanette is the widow of Lee Hurlock a past-President of the fire company. Her son Jeff is a past-Chief, daughter-in-law Cheryl is the current Vice-President, and her son Jay serves on the board of the fire company. Service to others just seems to come naturally to this family. (Left to right): Ladies President Mary Ellen DeBenedictis, Chery Hurlock, Jeff Hurlock, Jeanette Hurlock, Jay Hurlock and Theresa Hurlock. - Fire News photo by Kevin Wilson, photo by Gene Shaner
On December 11, 2018, at a combined installation, the Clayton Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary installed its officers for 2019. President Mary Ellen DeBenedictis, Vice-President Phyllis Chase, Secretary Margo Orlando, Assistant Secretary Sharon Staats, Treasurer Margaret Ann Rogers, and Assistant Treasurer Jeanette Hurlock. The officers were installed by past-President and 50-plus-year member Nancy Scotton. - Submitted by Kevin Wilson, photo by Gene Shaner
2018 Clayton Junior Firefighter of the Year During the annual appreciation dinner of the Clayton Fire Company, the company takes time to recognize members who have gone above and beyond. One of the awards given is the Steven Turner Memorial Award, named for Steven who was a junior member of the Clayton Fire Company and, at the age of 17, died of cancer. Stevie was a very active and involved member of the company. This year’s award winner was James Demczak, the son of Clayton Fire Company Board of Director Denys Demczak and member Skip Demczak. James accumulated a total of 472 points for the year by attending 251 alarms, 16 training sessions, 32 uniformed functions, and 46 miscellaneous functions for 2018.
James comes from a fire service background, as you can tell — his father is a past-Chief of the Townsend Fire Company and his grandfather, Charles Price, is a past-Chief and President of the Volunteer Hose Company of Middletown. James is a student at Smyrna High School. The award was presented to James by Deputy Fire Chief Alex Carrow, who said, “With members like James the Clayton Fire Company is in good hands for the future.” (Left to right): Fire Chief Wes Davis, James Demczak, and Deputy Fire Chief Alex Carrow. - Submitted by Kevin Wilson, photo by Gene Shaner
February 2019
Delaware Fire Service News, Page 39
Clayton Annual Awards Banquet
- DFSN photos by Gene Shaner
Page 40, Delaware Fire Service News
Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder Contest Winners
February 2019
Halloween Candy
On October 31, 2018, Five Points members gave out candy on Halloween night to the local trick or treaters. - Submitted by Chuck Hayes Children from many Newark-area grade schools competed in the annual State of Delaware Poster and Essay contest. Members of the fire department poured over hundreds of local entries. First, second and third place winners were chosen from each grade level. Grades kindergarten through grade three designed posters depicting themes for each grade. Grades four through eight wrote essays about a topic chosen for each grade. This year’s themes were chosen by the Life Safety Committee of the Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association. Each Newark winner was presented with a certificate and a money award at the annual ceremony held in the Aetna Banquet Hall. The fire department has been hosting these awards ceremonies for more than 40 years. - Submitted by John H. Farrell IV
Harrington Presents Resident with Special Present On January 19, 2019, the Harrington Fire Company made a special birthday visit to a Harrington resident. Jeanie Miller, who turned 85years old on January 19, inquired about possibly riding on a fire truck to a fire company member several weeks before her birthday. The member was able to make some calls and set up a ride for Ms. Miller on her birthday. Ms. Miller was escorted around the City of Harrington on Engine 50-4 and then was taken back to her residence to enjoy the rest of the day with her family. The officers and members of the Harrington Fire Company would like to wish Ms. Miller a Happy 85th birthday! - Submitted by Earl Brode
Santa Run in Harrington On December 19 to 21, 2018, the Harrington Fire Company completed its Annual Santa Run by escorting Santa around the City of Harrington and surrounding developments. The elves assisted Santa with handing out candy canes and toys to all the good little girls and boys who came out to see Santa. - Submitted by Earl Brode
LANCCVFA Installation
USMC Honors Clayton On November 13, 2018, during the November monthly meeting of the Clayton Fire Company, past-Chief and past-President William R. ‘Skip’ Carrow II presented to the company a plaque from the USMC Toys for Tots program. The plaque was presented for the years of participation the fire company has had in the program, growing to one of the largest contributors in Kent County. For many years the company hosted a flag football game with the price of admission being a toy to the program. Now the company has boxes at the Clayton Fire Company Tree Lot and will accept toys at the Breakfast with Santa the first Sunday in December. President Faulkner received the plaque on behalf of all the members. (Above:) President Faulkner and pastChief/President Carrow. - Submitted by Kevin Wilson
Installation of the Ladies Auxiliary New Castle County Volunteer Firemen’s Association (LANCCVFA) officers was held at the Minquadale Fire Hall on December 12, 2018. The following officers were installed: President Jane Williams (Minquadale), 1st Vice-President Tracy Sweetman (Aetna), 2nd Vice-President Nancy Migliavacca (Delaware City), Secretary Michelle Morgan (Claymont), Assistant Secretary Margie Williams (Five Points), Treasurer Deidre Kerr (Minquas), and Assistant Treasurer Christine Mellinger (Brandywine Hundred). Appointed positions: Chaplain Patsy Boys (Brandywine Hundred) and Parliamentarian Joanne Tulowitzki (Minquadale). - Submitted by Jane Williams, photo by Alex J Davis Photography
February 2019
Delaware Fire Service News, Page 41
CVVFA By Claudia Garner and Candice McDonald
Last Months of 2018 and January 2019 Deadly for Highway Responders A rash of fatal ‘struck by’ accidents over the past few months should give pause to emergency responders, towing and recovery personnel, and public works people working on the roadways. The danger, especially from distracted drivers, is increasing. The CVVFA has strategies for keeping responders safer. High quality training on line at no cost. Visit www.ResponderSafety.com for more information.
Page 42, Delaware Fire Service News
February 2019
Clayton Installs 2019 Officers
During the December 11, 2018 meeting of the Clayton Fire Company, the company installed its officers for 2019. The fire line officers are led by Fire Chief Alex Carrow, Deputy Fire Chief John Pridemore, 1st Assistant Chief Joe Jones; 2nd Assistant Chief Robert J. Lightcap; Captains Craig Snyder, Jonathon Burnett, and Austin Moorehead; Crew Leaders Ryan Womax and Dakota Correll; Chief Engineer Roland Timmons; Assistant Engineer Mike Thompson; and EMS Officer David Carroll. The line officers were sworn in at the meeting by Derrick Brode, President of the Delaware State Fire Chief’s Association and the cousin of Chief Carrow. (Left to right, sitting): Chief Alex Carrow, Deputy Chief John Pridemore, 1st Assistant Chief Joe Jones, and 2nd Assistant Chief Robert J. Lightcap. (Standing): Crew Leader Dakota Correll, Chief Engineer Roland Timmons, Captain Austin Moorehead, Captain Jonathan Burnett, Captain Craig Snyder, Asst. Engineer Mike Thompson, and Crew Leader Ryan Womax.
The administrative officers are led by President Kevin L. Wilson, Vice-President Cheryl Hurlock, Secretary Ken Virdin, Treasurer Jim Cubbage, 3-Year Director Denys Demczak, 2-Year Director Jay Hurlock, and 1-Year Director Joey O’Neal, Assistant Secretary Julie Reed, Assistant Treasurer Steve Hudson, Pension and Personnel Officer Cindy Scott, and Assistant Personnel Officer Ashley Carrow. The administrative officers were sworn in at the meeting by State Representative William Carson a past-Chief of the Citizen’s Hose Company of Smyrna. (Left to right, bottom row): Kevin L. Wilson; Cheryl Hurlock; James L. Cubbage, Jr.; and Ken Virdin. (Standing): Alex Carrow, Ashley Carrow, Cindy Scott, Julie Reed, Denys Demczak, and John Pridemore. Not pictured are Jay Hurlock and Joey O'Neal. - Submitted by Kevin Wilson, photos by Gene Shaner
2019 Officers of the Five Points Fire Co. On December 4, 2018, elections were held for the 2019 company officers of the Five Points Fire Company. Installed were: Fire Chief Tom Manley; Deputy Chief Terry Clark; 1st Assistant Chief Scott Shepherd; 2nd Assistant Chief Allen Nutter; and Captains Craig Lindell, Ryan Hahn, Dave Hamrick and Mike McLain. Also installed were President Fran Williams; Vice-President Frank Lindell; Treasurer Keith Bowman; Secretary Bob Sutton; Financial Secretary Bob Zulinski; and Board of Directors Chuck Hayes (Chairman), Bob Fox and Ed Testa. The officers were sworn in by Vint Bossert. Congratulations to all! - Submitted by Chuck Hayes
February 2019
Delaware Fire Service News, Page 43
Roxana Installs 2019 Officers The 2019 officers of the Roxana Volunteer Fire Company were sworn in by Charter Member Gerald W. Pepper. (Left to right): Board of Director Curt Bixler; Vice-President Todd Marvel; President Russell Hooper, Jr.; Secretary Josh Hudson; Fire Chief Andy Johnson; and Board of Directors Jamie Killen, Eric Freund and Justin Brasure. - Submitted by Todd Marvel
Dover Officers Sworn On December 17, 2018, Mayor Robin Christiansen swore in the 2019 Dover Fire Line Officers. (Left to right): 2nd Fire Line Captain Wesley Liberto, 1st Fire Line Captain Michael Nitsch, 4th Assistant Chief Christopher Jacobs, 3rd Assistant Chief Michael Morris, 2nd Assistant Chief Benjamin Smetana, 1st Assistant Chief Cole Enright, Deputy Chief Michael O'Connor and Fire Chief Ronald Rhodes. - Submitted by Michael O’Connor; photo by Hermance Imaging
Elsmere Installation On January 7, 2019, the Elsmere Fire Company held its annual Installation dinner. The ladies auxiliary served a great meal. After the dinner was served the fire line and administration officers were sworn in by pastPresidents Bill Walton, Sr., and Warren Jones. - Submitted by Frank Maule
Harrington 2019 Fire Company Officers At the regular monthly meeting of the Harrington Fire Company held on Monday, January 7, 2019, the Administrative and Fire Line officers of the Harrington Fire Company were installed for 2019. The officers were sworn in by Harold K. Brode, past Chief, past EMS Captain and past President of Harrington, as well as a past President of the Kent County Volunteer Firefighters Association. The Fire Line Officers are: Chief Robbie Brode; Deputy Chief Kenny Brode; 1st Assistant Chief Derrick Brode; 2nd Assistant Chief Danny McLaughlin; 3rd Assistant Chief Dean Helsel; Ladder Captain Ralph Tucker, Jr.; Rescue Captain Kevin Galyean; Engine Captain Gavin Harrington; Engine Captain Cody Rash; Safety Officer Tom Greek; Chief Engineer Rob Wyatt; 1st Assistant Engineer Garry Alsop; 2nd Assistant Engineer Ed Welch; 3rd Assistant Engineer Travis Beyer; Fire Police Bill Bonniwell, Joe Zeroles, Mark Scribner, Jr., Dave Anderton, Rob Kimmey and Fred Wyatt 3rd. EMS Officers are: EMS Captain Rob Taylo and EMS Lieutenant Kevin Galyean.
Administrative Officers are: President Ryan Welch, Vice-President Derrick Brode, Secretary Gavin Harrington, Assistant Secretary Rob Taylor, Treasurer Mike Layton, Assistant Treasurer Chad Robinson, Financial Secretary Ray Blanchette, Bingo Financial Secretary Pablo Reyes, Ambulance Financial Secretary Chad Robinson, Fire Recorder Ethan Simpson, Hall Rental Chairman Fred Martin and Bingo Chairman Ed Welch. Board of Directors are: Chairman Danny McLaughlin, ViceChairman Rob Taylor, Secretary Gavin Harrington, Ryan Welch, Robbie Brode, Derrick Brode, Mike Layton, Ray Blanchette, Roy Wyatt, Garry Alsop, Dave Anderton, Tom Greek, Shawn Scouten, Darrin Simpson and Ed Welch. - Submitted by Earl Brode
Page 44, Delaware Fire Service News
February 2019
Citizens’ Hose Company Installation Fire Police – (Left to right): Robert Lightcap, Keith Mapps, James Masten, Elliott Glover and Bill Carrow.
Board of Directors – (Left to right, seated) Jonathan Rutledge; S. Grant Nash; Gerald Manley, Jr.; and Kenneth Steele. (Standing, left to right): Bruce C Ennis; Isaac J Hankins; S. Christopher Hudson; Isaac J. Willis; Allan F. Robinson, Jr.; Dean Johnson; Gerald J. Mood; and Gary Shane.
(Seated, left to right): 2nd Assistant Chief Robert Daniels, Chief Dean Johnson, and 1st Assistant Chief Tyler Thompson. (Standing, left to right): Captain Eugene Thompson, Lieutenant James N. Morgan, Lieutenant Gary Shane, Captain Jonathan Rutledge and Lieutenant Joshua Hall.
Administrative Officers – (Seated, left to right): Treasurer Jonathan Rutledge; Vice-President S. Grant Nash; President Gerald Manley, Jr.; and Secretary/Fire Recorder Kenneth Steele. (Standing, left to right): Trustee Michael P. O'Malley and Chaplin Keith Nowell.
(Seated, left to right): Wayne Ford, Chief Engineer Kenneth Spencer and Curt Gruber. (Standing, left to right): Ken Morris and Donald Alexander - Submitted by Chris Hudson, photos by Gene Shaner
Millsboro in Wreaths Across America
Millsboro Fire Company members and their families assisted with Wreaths Across America at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro. - Submitted by Larry Gum
February 2019
Delaware Fire Service News, Page 45
Sussex County Firefighters Honor Fire Prevention Poster and Essay Winners
At the November meeting of the Sussex County Volunteer Firefighters Association, firefighters took time out to honor children who were winners in this year's Fire Prevention Poster and Essay Contest. Each year, children from Kindergarten through third grade have the opportunity to develop a poster on their assigned Fire Prevention Topic. Children in grades four through eight have to prepare an essay on their assigned topics. Children who are first place winners then proceed to the State Competition with the State Awards taking place in January. This year a special moment took place as, Special Poster Topic, second place winner Aurora Miller, of Rehoboth Elementary, was stricken by serious health issues since she prepared her poster. Arrangements were made to present Aurora her award by Skype so she could share in the program.
Pictured in Row 1: Diana Herandez, Liara Oglive, Kaitlyn Turakm Adelaide Lehman, Sam King, Josie Crowell, Kaylee Strong, Meadow Weaver, Emorie Jackson, Ke'niya Mitchell, Hurley Turner and Jeesha Patel. Row 2: Aiden Ackaway, Brock Terhune, Cameron Bunting, McKinley Messick, Madison, Handley, Jay Yoder, Perla Ibarro Romero, Samuel Winston, Carly Favoroso, Fardeen Kahn, Cruz Bennett and Bradley Tomeski. Row 3: Hunter Holland (President of SCVFA); Kaitlyn Johnson; Steven Miller; Julia Clark; Jennifer Mendoza; Hailey Justice; Smokey Bear; Danny Abarca, Jr.; Gage Joseph; and Andy Jones (VicePresident of SCVFA). - Submitted by Michael Lowe; photo by John Tomeski
Page 46, Delaware Fire Service News
February 2019
Felton Fire Company Installation
2019 Fire Line Officers (left to right): Lieutenant Cory Swan, Captain Ryan Sipple, 2nd Assistant Chief Andy Ney, 1st Assistant Chief Matt Espil, Deputy Chief Gary Moore, and Fire Chief Kevin Sipple. Not pictured are Captain Tyler Sipple and 3rd Assistant Chief Chuck Welch.
2019 Fire Police (left to right): Duane Johnson, Ken Ryder, Randy Wood and Bill Jester.
Santa Trips Several nights during the month of December, Santa visited various sections of the Five Points district on top of Ladder 17 or Squad 17. Members accompanied Santa and passed out candy canes to the children along the way. It’s great to see the kid’s enjoyment while we do this. - Submitted by Chuck Hayes
2019 Administrative Officers (left to right): Fire Recorder Tyler Moore, BOD Jeff Carpenter, BOD Cory Swan, BOD Bill Jester, Assistant Secretary Shannon Smith, Treasurer Ken Ryder, Secretary Duane Johnson, Vice President Larry Thompson and President Adam Jarrell. - Submitted by Rob Watts
February 2019
Delaware Fire Service News, Page 47
2019 Officers Installed at Farmington Fire Co.
Farmington Station 47 Line Officers for 2019
2019 Officers Installed at Farmington Fire Co.
(Seated from right): Chief Tom Williams, Deputy Chief Richie Smith, Assistant Chief; T.J. Greenlee. Not pictured Assistant Chief CI Legates. (Standing): Captain Matt Taylor, Captain Adam Warner, Safety Officer Ray Dean, and Chief Engineer Carl Roork.
(From left): Board of Directors Ray Dean, Fire Chief Tom Williams, BOD Richie Smith; Secretary Matt Taylor and President Joe Zeroles. - Submitted by Tom Williams
Page 48, Delaware Fire Service News
February 2019
Greenwood 2019 Installation
2019 Greenwood Fire Company Admin Officers (left to right): Director Bill Hague, Fire Recorder Bob Passwaters, Secretary Perry Heberling, President Justin Boyce, Vice-President Sammy Millman, Treasurer David Minton, Director John Givens and Director Gordon Schrock
2019 Greenwood Fire Company Fire Police (left to right): Gordon Schrock, Lester Beachy, David Miller, Major Dale Willey, Pete Peterman and Lieutenant Donald Pearson.
2019 Greenwood Fire Co Line Officers (left to right): Chief Engineer John Carter, Fire Lieutenant Justin Bickling, 2nd Assistant Chief Phillip Schrock, Deputy Chief Chris Petrone, Fire Chief Mark Anderson, 1st AssistantChief Mike Moran, 3rd Assistant Chief Phil Vannicola, Fire Lieutenant Jeff Lecates and Safety Officer David Sapp. Missing from the photo are Fire Captain Jason Fannin and Safety Officer Bruce Bowman. - Submitted by Mark Anderson
2019 Lewes Fire Department Officers The Lewes Fire Department is proud to announce the following officers for 2019. We wish them the best of luck in their new positions. The new company officers are: President Craig Stephens; Vice President Mike MacCoy; Secretary Shawn Musgrove; Treasurer Bryan Pepper; Director Bill Buckaloo; Director Aiden Gause; Fire Recorder Bill Musgrove; Points Manager Erika Arnold; EMS Chief Beau Fibelkorn; EMS Captain Tony Esposito; EMS Lieutenant Pam McClanahan; EMS Supervisor Dennis Dean; Chief Engineer George Bixby; 1st Assistant Anthony Esposito; 2nd Assistant Bob Kreitzer; 3rd Assistant Wally Evan; 4th Assistant Ernie Stanley; 5th Assistant Sean McClanahan; 6th Assistant Patrick Chorman; Engineer’s Assistant Troy Virden; Engineer’s Assistant George Hunsicke, Jr.; Engineer’s Assistant
Bryan Pepper. The new fire officers are: Fire Chief Steve Evans; Deputy Chief Jason Stadler; 1st Assistant Chief Aiden Gause; 2nd Assistant Chief Terrence Bayko; 3rd Assistant Chief Gordon Davis; 4th Assistant Chief Woody Magee; 5th Assistant Chief Bill Buckaloo; Safety Officer Robert Schappert; Captains Greg Bennett, Travis Shalaby, Trevor Feist and Robbie Stephens; Lieutenants Chris Colpo, Joe Esposito, Caleb Hagan and Addison Hill-Bittner; Fire Police Captain Ed Schaeffer; Fire Police Lieutenant Barry Schneider; Fire Police Fred Slater, Jay Campbell, Patty Marvel, Mike Truitt, Troy Reynolds, Doug Brown and Mel Kreps. - Submitted by Glenn Marshall
February 2019
Clayton Fire Prevention Open House
The Clayton Fire Company held its annual Fire Prevention Open House on October 1, 2018. Once again, there was a huge turnout from the public. There were almost 30 different groups that took part in either an outside static display or an information booth. - Submitted by Skip Carrow, photos courtesy of Jason Carletti
Delaware Fire Service News, Page 49
Page 50, Delaware Fire Service News
February 2019
Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grant Awarded
On December 14, 2018, the Citizens’ Hose Company 1 of Smyrna, announced that it received a grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. The grant, valued at $35,959, was for purchase of a complete set of Hurst EDraulics extrication equipment. This equipment represents the latest in extrication tool technology. A media event was held at the station, at which members hosted several franchisees, members of the Firehouse Subs team, local dignitaries, as well as members of the media. There was a vehicle
extrication demonstration and a formal presentation of the tools. This presentation explained the numerous improvements and benefits of the new battery-powered Hurst equipment. Following the presentation, Firehouse Subs were served for lunch. Citizens’ Hose would like to thank the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation for their generous grant and their support to the fire company. - DFSN photos by Gene Shaner
February 2019
Delaware Fire Service News, Page 51
Laurel Fire Department Installs Officers for 2019 On December 19, 2018, the Laurel Fire Department held its annual installation ceremonies for officers. Pictured (right) are: Fire Chief Jeff Hill, Deputy Chief Mark Sheridan, 1st Assistant Chief Donnie Layton, 2nd Assistant Chief Mike Lowe, Chief Engineer Mark Oliphant, Captain Zac Lecates, Captain Brandon Givens and Truck Captain Jamie Nelson. Administrative Officers are (above): President Bill Hearn, Vice-President Dick Russell, Secretary Mike Carroll, Treasurer Dwayne Groton, and Trustees Richard Wells, Aaron Carey and Jay Hall. - Submitted by Michael Lowe
EMT Savannah Thompson, Aetna’s EMT of the Year
The annual Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Co. Lieutenant John P. Murphy Memorial EMT of the Year award for 2018 was presented to EMT Savannah Thompson. Savannah was selected for her strong work ethic and reliability. Savannah fills multiple weekly shifts and has one of the highest run totals in the department. EMS Deputy Chief Amy Cavanaugh said Savannah is enthusiastic about EMS and the medical field in general, and she complimented Savannah for her excellent patient care. Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder is one of the leading EMS teaching agencies in the state, and Savannah is one of Aetna’s Field Training Officers. Savannah is enthusiastic to teach and is excited to discuss the details of her last call with her EMT Candidates. EMS Deputy Chief Cavanaugh said, “Savannah is a great asset to our field training program, working with new EMTs to ensure they are receiving the training needed to be proficient.” Aetna Fire Chief Drew Bowerson congratulated Savannah saying, “EMT Savannah Thompson exemplifies the Aetna motto of ‘Service for Others.’ ” - Submitted by John H. Farrell IV
Page 52, Delaware Fire Service News
February 2019
Demonstration Night at Chick-fil-A with Millsboro Fire and Police
- Submitted by Larry Gum
Fire Prevention Month
During Fire Prevention Month, East Millsboro Elementary School Georgetown. DSFS instructors, Millsboro firefighters, and DelDot fifth graders were given a day at the Delaware State Fire School in representatives participated. - Submitted by Larry Gum
Seppanen, Daniels Sworn to NCCoFPA
On December 11, 2018, Aetna had two members sworn into leader- Major (and current UDPD Deputy Chief) Jeff Evans was the instalship positions with the New Castle County Fire Police Association. lation officer. Congratulations Paige and Jerry! - Submitted by Jeff Sands Paige Seppanen was sworn in as President, and Jerry Daniels as the Training Officer. Aetna member, retired Delaware State Police
February 2019
Delaware Fire Service News, Page 53
Cover Story
Mill Creek 2-Alarmer
On January 15, 2019, Mill Creek responded to a second alarm on and Deputy Chief Brian Warrick advancing one of the initial lines Stanton Christiana Road. Pictured (left) are Firefighter Paul Testa on the fire. - Submitted by Don Moorhead
Page 54, Delaware Fire Service News
February 2019
Fire Marshal’s Report Fire Injures One in Laurel Harry R. Miller, Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s office investigated a house fire in Laurel. The fire was reported on Sunday, January 13, 2019, at approximately 1425. The fire involved a wood framed single-family home, located on the 200 block of West Tenth Street. The Laurel Volunteer Fire Department assisted by Delmar and Sharptown Fire Companies responded to find fire and heavy smoke showing. The 75-year-old female occupant was able to flee the flaming home. The occupant was transported to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, for burn injuries. The injured victim was later admitted to Chester Crozier Burn Center. No other injuries were reported. The fire was placed under control at approximately 1600. Deputies from the State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene to determine the origin and cause. Fire damage is estimated at $125,000.00
in the Belle Terre development shortly before 2000 for a report of a fire inside the house. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire and render the home safe from any further damage. State fire investigators were called to the scene to investigate. An explosion had occurred inside the home causing damage to a first floor room. A fire inside the same room was quickly extinguished. Damage was estimated at $40,000. None of the four occupants were injured.
Fatal House Fire in Bridgeville
Michael G. Chionchio, Assistant State Fire Marshal The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal investigated a house fire that occurred in Bridgeville on December 18, 2018. The blaze, reported shortly before 2200, occurred in the 14000 Block of Sussex Highway. The Bridgeville Fire Company arrived on the scene with flames engulfing the dwelling. Firefighters found one person deceased inside the home. Three Firefighters Injured in Dover Fire State fire investigators searched for the fire’s origin and cause. The Michael G. Chionchio, Assistant State Fire Marshal Division of Forensic Science conducted an autopsy on the victim. Heavy The fire that destroyed a Dover church early on December 31, 2018, was fire damage was estimated at $100,000. Four other occupants were able to investigated by the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s office. escape with no injury. The Cheswold Fire Company along with other assisting companies responded to the 5000 block of West Denney’s Road shortly before 0100 for One Person Perishes in New Castle Fire a report of a building on fire. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a large Michael G. Chionchio, Assistant State Fire Marshal volume of fire engulfing the unoccupied Little Union Church. The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal investigated a fire on State fire investigators were alerted and sent to the scene. The investigators along with federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, December 7, 2018, in New Castle. One person was found deceased inside the home. Firearms, and Explosives searched for the fire’s origin and cause. The blaze, reported shortly before 1000, occurred in the 1000 block of Old Three firefighters were injured and treated at the Kent General Hospital in Dover. There were no other injuries. Heavy fire damage was estimated at Forge Road in the Meadows of Wilton near Wilton Boulevard. The Christiana Fire Company arrived on the scene with flames shooting from $100,000. the two-story townhouse. Firefighters found one person deceased inside the burning house. Explosion, Fire in Hockessin State fire marshal’s conducted the investigation. The Delaware Division Michael G. Chionchio, Assistant State Fire Marshal of Forensic Science performed an autopsy on the victim. Heavy fire damThe Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal investigated a fire and age to three townhouse units was estimated at $200,000. Two firefighters explosion that took place inside a Hockessin home on December 28, 2018. were injured. There were no other injuries. The Hockessin Fire Company responded to the 200 block of Louis Lane
TWO ORGANIZATIONS SELECTED CO-RECIPIENTS OF THE SENATOR PAUL S. SARBANES FIRE SERVICE SAFETY LEADERSHIP AWARD The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) selected the Florida Firefighters Safety and Health Collaborative and the Denver Fire Department as the co-recipients of the Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award. The award will be presented at the 31st Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner on April 25, 2019, in Washington, DC. Named after retired-Senator Paul S. Sarbanes of Maryland, the award recognizes organizations for outstanding contributions to firefighter health and safety. State Farm Insurance and VFIS serve as the corporate supporters. Established in 2016 as a nonprofit organization, the Florida Firefighters Safety and Health Collaborative brings together members of the fire service and health and safety advocates in the state of Florida to share information and best practices on firefighter health and safety. The Denver Fire Department is being recognized for its development of a comprehensive health and safety program. The Denver Fire Department Safety and Training program incorporates fitness, nutrition and behavioral health that can be tailored to the needs of each individual firefighter. The elements are integrated with the department’s safety and training program, beginning with the recruit level and continuing well into each firefighter’s career.
Award. The presentation will take place at the 31st Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner on April 25, 2019, at the Washington Hilton, in Washington, DC. Chief Sanders has been a member of the fire and emergency services since 1967. For over 27 years, he served as a member of the Louisville (KY) Fire Department, including nine years as chief of the department. Among his achievements as chief, Sanders worked with city officials and the public to pass legislation mandating that all unsprinklered high-rise buildings in the city be retrofitted with automatic sprinkler protection. Throughout his distinguished career, Sanders has held leadership positions in numerous national and international organizations and committees, including Executive Secretary of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association and the Director of Central Field Operations for the National Fire Protection Association. On the international level, he serves as the President of the United States Delegation to the Comite Technique Internationale de Prevention and d ’Extinction de Feu. He also is the NFPA representative to the European Fire Service, the National Fire Chiefs Council of the United Kingdom, the Institution of Fire Engineers, the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council and the Global Fire Service Leadership Alliance. “He has made significant contributions in the areas of public safety and prevention, research, codes and standards, and leadership. Like the Chief Russ Sanders To Be Recognized At The 31st Lankford, he has dedicated his career to building a stronger Annual National Fire And Emergency Services Dinner late-Mason and safer profession for all who serve. The CFSI Board of Directors The Congressional Fire Services Institute’s Board of Directors selected Chief Russ Sanders as the recipient of the 2019 congratulates him and looks forward to honoring him on April 25, CFSI/Motorola Solutions Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership 2019,” said Dr. William F. Jenaway, CFSI President.