Fire News Delaware, April 2021 edition

Serving DELAWARE Serving Fire, Rescue

VOLUME 24, NO. 2

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

Fire,Serving Rescue & EMS Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes & EMS Heroes Heroes Since 1973 Since 1996 1973 APRIL 2021

See story on page 32.

- Submitted by Earl Brode

DVFA/LADVFA News Please See Page 6.

Page 2, Fire News, April 2021

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Fire News, April 2021, Page 3

In this issue...

Residential Fire in Dover Firefighters battled aresidential structure fire on Woodcrest Drive, in Dover, on February 3, 2021.

See story on page 10

Wilmington Commercial Structure Fire On March 5, 2021, Wilmington firefighters were alerted to a commercial structure fire on West 25th Street.

See story on page 12

Working Building Fire On January 31, 2021, at 1554, the Harrington Fire Company was dispatched to a structure fire in the Fernwood Development.

See story on page 14

Second Alarm Blaze On March 7, 2021, Ladder 12 was alerted to cover Brandywine Hundred, during a second-alarm fire.

See story on page 17

1 Injured in Route 24 MVA Rehoboth Beach VFC units responded to an MVA in the area of the Beacon School on Route 24.

See story on page 27

Obituaries Holloway Terrace’s, George Gott Holloway Terrace’s, William Nutter III Holloway Terrace’s, William C. Mohr Carlisle’s Robert M. Caiola DE State Fire Chiefs’, William Higgins Millsboro’s Lynn Bullock See story on pages 48-50

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4 Antique Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 34 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 39 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 43 Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 47 Fire Marshal’s Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 54 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 54 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 54

An independently owned news and information resource for the dedicated firefighters, emergency medical technicians, auxiliary members, and public safety officials in the State of Delaware. Thanks to the support of its advertisers, this newspaper is distributed free of charge to every fire station in the First State.

Published bi-monthly by Fire News, Inc., 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713. Delaware Fire Service News is a registered trademark and all material contained herein is copyrighted. All rights reserved.

Frank C. Trotta, Publisher Tim Edwards, Executive Editor Dennis Whittam, Editor Gary Joyce, Managing Editor Marie Trotta, Vice President, Production/Sales Cliff Chiesa, Art Director Barbara Connolly, Director of Sales & Marketing Bryan Lopez, Editorial Assistant Greg Jones, Lynn Sedler Graphic Artists Warren F. Jones and Thomas J. Mitten, Publishers Emeritus Sal DeVivo, Founding Publisher Contributors: Mark Anderson, Steve Austin, Wayne Barrall, Christine Bennett, Dave Bosco, Earl Brode, B. Scott Bullock, Sean Byron, Dave Carpenter, Mike Carroll, Skip Carrow, Michael G. Chionchio, Fred Cullis, Michele Ehart, Mary Eisenbrey, Mark Felicetti, Dave Ferguson, Robert Fox, Jon Gallo, Claudia Garner, Glenn Gillespie, Larry Gum, Chuck Hayes, Dave Horack, Doug Hudson, Jerry Hull, Sean Humphreys, Chad Ingram, Bill Ireland, Jr., Terry Jester, James Jobes, Warren F. Jones, Ed Kalinowski, Kevin Keating, Ryan Knowles, Randall Lee, Michael Lowe, Chris Lucas, Karen Majewski, Candice McDonald, Mike McMichael, Harry Miller, Patrick Miller, Tom Mitten, Joseph Mriss, Joe Mullen, Amy Murray, Tim Murray, Michael J. O’Connor Jr., Dwayne Pearson, Phil Pennington Sr., Gary Plotts, Bob Powell, Patricia Quigley, Patrick Quigley, John Randolph, James Read, Matthew Read, Lauden Robertson, Bob Romig, D. Ruff, Gene Shaner, Kevin Sipple, Chuck Snyder, Russell Stinson, William Thomas, Eugene Tucker, Lisa Turner, Leonard Tylecki, Rob Watts, Jim Watson, Steve Watson, Matt Williams, Dave Wilson, Jack Wilson, Kevin Wilson, Jim Woznicki ADVERTISING: Rate card and marketing information are available on request. To advertise call 631-776-0500 x111 or email Tim@FireNews.com. We reserve the right to reject, edit, or decline to publish any advertising material submitted. Deadline for ads is the 15th of the month prior to the month of publication.

NEWS: News items about fire, rescue, and EMS activities in our coverage area are welcome. Contact us at 631-776-0500 x111 or email: Tim@FireNews.com.

Deadline for news is the 15th of the month prior to the month of publication. Material submitted is subject to editing and cannot be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: All fire stations in Delaware receive a sufficient number of copies for their personnel. Those wishing to receive direct delivery may subscribe for $25.00 per year, paid in advance to Delaware Fire Service News, 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.

Index of Advertisers AdvantEdge Healthcare ........... 35 AT&T First Net ..................... 7, 18 ASI ............................................. 50 Atlantic Emergency Solutions ....................... 5, 23, 28, 29, 41, 55 Delaware Republican Caucus ... 20 DPC ................................. 2, 25, 56 Emergency Responder Reply System ....................................... 27 ESI .............................................. 4 FDIC ......................................... 15 Fire, Rescue & EMS Today Podcast ..................................... 32

Firehouse Expo ........................ 37 Long Island Productions .......... 31 Moore’s Garage ........................ 11 Provident Agency Inc. .............. 17 Roll N Rack ............................... 33 Rush Uniforms ......................... 32 Senator Chris Coons ................. 21 Sutphen ..................................... 13 Terry Farrell ...........................

Firefighters Fund .................... 50 The Fire Store ............................ 9 VCI ............................................ 19 Ziamantic .................................. 17

Page 4, Fire News, April 2021

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Can You Handle the Challenging Call?

This past month has presented the fire service with several calls that have challenged our first responders. The calls made me think about our new officers, firefighters and EMTs, who may find themselves involved with a serious call that they think they could handle. My question to you is, “Are you prepared to handle the challenging call?”

Recently, a cemetery worker in my area was killed as he was working in a trench and the sidewall of the trench collapsed, burying the worker in 18 inches of dirt. As the first arriving unit, what would you and your crew do?

Immediately, you should be thinking, “trench rescue.” Are you aware, trench walls can collapse in a tenth of a second? When the walls collapse, the earth moves at approximately 40 mph. Guess what? You do not have a chance of getting out of its way. A single cubic foot of dirt weighs 100 pounds. A cubic yard weighs 3000 pounds. As firefighters, we must discipline ourselves to back off and wait for a technical rescue team to arrive to the scene. Sadly, the buried worker lost his life

and the scene quickly became a recovery effort.

This month, there was a serious propane incident on Long Island. Two workers were refilling propane cylinders when something went wrong. The two workers were seriously burned and needed to be quickly transported to a burn unit. On Long Island, we are very lucky to have two state-of-the-art burn units.

Nassau County has the Nassau University Medical Center and Suffolk County has the Burn Center at Stony Brook University Medical Center.

Once you arrive on scene, would you know how to handle a seriously burned patient? I had one fire in my career that I still have thoughts about. It was one of those incidents that, when you close your eyes, you can visualize the patients uncontrollably shaking as their skin was falling off of their bodies. I was part of the ambulance crew that horrible night. Fortunately, our EMT was experienced and knew how to prepare the patient for transport to Stony Brook Medical Center.

Every year, the Suffolk County Volunteer Firefighters Burn Center holds a recognition

DVFA 100th Anniversary Books Hard Cover Books $20 Soft Cover Books $10

DVDA 100th Anniversary Coin $10

To purchase, contact any President of the DVFA or the DVFA office for the items.

day. Several of the doctors talk about the newest equipment and innovations, the nurses of the unit are honored, and checks are presented to the unit from fundraisers held by our junior groups and various firematic organization. My advice to everyone — go to this event!

Finally, as firefighters, most of us feel confident that we can handle any job that comes our way. The truth is you may not be able to handle some calls as safely as you think. Please take the time to review the courses offered at your fire academy and enroll in Technical Rescue Courses and Rapid Intervention Classes. Take the time to investigate your Burn Center. Meet with the staff of well-qualified personnel and ask questions on handing a serious burn victim.

Who knows, the person you save, could be a member of your own company.

- Dennis

Page 6, Fire News, April 2021

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Serving Delaware’s First Responders Since 1921

DVFA Office DVFA Conference will not be at Dover Downs.: As you know by now, the new owners of Dover Downs have decided not to rent the Rollins Center until 2022. The conference committee is working on alternatives for the 2021, 100th Anniversary Conference. We will keep you informed.

Recruitment and Retention Task Force: The Task Force has all but concluded their meetings. They are writing the final report for approval. The next step will be to draft legislation to support the recommendations. By the time you read this things should be moving along.

Legislative Items: SB92 is a bill allowing

you to either have a free surf fishing permit or a free park pass. HB135 is the Presumption legislation. Both of these bill were released the legislative week of February 23.

100th Anniversary Books and Coins: The 100th Anniversary Books and Coins are in.

Please contact either of the DVFA Presidents or the DVFA Office to receive them. The cost for the hard cover books are $20, the soft cover books are $10 and the coins are $10.

Radios: The replacement radios which we received the $4 million dollars from the State of Delaware for were ordered at the end of December. They have started to arrive at the Delaware Division of Communications. DIV-

COMM has started to deliver the radios and take in the replacements.

These have been very different times which we have experienced in 2020 and now into 2021. We tried to keep you informed as much as possible. If the DVFA Office can be of any assistance to you for any of your needs please contact us. Thank you for what you do and stay safe!

Warren Jones, Executive Manager wjones@dvfassn.com 302-535-4566 (cell) 302-734-9404 (fax)

DVFA President

by Norman Jones Jr., President, DVFA One thing that we’ve learned though this pandemic is that things are very fluid.

Some things do not change while others change moment-bymoment. We have seen some successes lately. The Recruitment and Retention Task Force has all but finalized their meetings and are now preparing their final report for approval. The Cancer Presumption Bill is being introduced very soon, hopefully by the printing of this issue. I am pleased to see these items are being worked on by legislature and moving forward.

We have also been lucky to see Delaware stay in a strong financial situation during this tough time. The fire service has seen assistance from different state and county programs broad-

en by federal funding. These monies have been used for recapturing the extra expenditures which we have occurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We have championed the effort, with the Governor, in showing the loss of income on the fundraising side of our budgets.

In the last Stimulus package, the American Rescue Plan (ARP), provides the State, County, and Municipalities with funding over $2 billion dollars in this state. We all need to contact all levels of our government partners to seek the help we need in balancing our budgets. Every year we seek funding but with the financial situation of the State being so strong and these funds now available we need, more than ever, to stand up and speak out to be heard on our needs.

The DVFA will take your message to the Governor and the legislators but you need to contact your local municipality and your state legislators. During times of emergency we are the ones who are called upon to go into action and we have not missed a step even during the

pandemic. We have adapted and continued to provide excellent service. We, as a fire service, have done a top-notch job. You need to emphasis this during your talks with them.

I would be remised if I didn’t mention that I have had a health scare recently. I was taken to the hospital and a lot of concerning things were uncovered that needed to be addressed. One of the first things we learn in the fire service is you are no help to anyone if you become an additional problem for others. There are resources out there, available to us, which you should utilize. We are brothers and sisters and while we need to look out for one another we also need to take care of ourselves. Your annual physicals and checkups are important. You are an essential piece of this family we call the Delaware Volunteer Fire Service. Take care of yourselves and each another.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as the President of this great organization.

LADVFA Corner

by Karen Workman, President LADVFA Spring is here! We welcome warm weather, blooming flowers and trees and plenty of sunshine. We do not welcome the dreaded pollen.

The Sussex County Life Safety committee held modified Fire Prevention Awards ceremonies in March. Even with the difficulties of Covid and students not being in school full

time, there was great representation from several schools. There was a total of 31 winners.

To hold to Covid protocol, winners were divided in two groups. Winners representing the Western and Central Sussex departments were hosted by Millsboro Fire Department. Milton Fire Department hosted those from the Eastern Sussex departments. Light refreshments were served after the awards ceremony for all attendees. I would like to thank the teachers, students, parents, participating fire departments and of the course, the Life Safety Committee

that helped make these possible.

At this time, a State Executive meeting for the Ladies Auxiliary of the Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association will be held on May 3, 2021.More information will be sent out accordingly. I look forward to seeing everyone.

I hope everyone stays safe and healthy.

Thank you, to all the dedicated women and men of the LADVFA and the DVFA. You are appreciated more than you know.

Page 8, Fire News, April 2021

Residential Fire in Blades

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Recently, crews operated at a residential structure fire, on East 2nd Street, in Blades.

- Submitted by Jason Hudson

Fire at Pioneer Materials

On March 12, 2021, Stations 54, 53, 46, 55 and 41 were dispatched for a fire on the fourth floor of the Pioneer Materials property on Long Point Road in a shaker. Upon arrival of Command 54, Chief Bundek initially found nothing evident at ground level, but upon entering the structure found a smoke condition. The staff on scene started extinguishment with garden hose. Squad 54 arrived deployed their 300 ft 1-¾ inch smooth bore. Ladder 54 arrived set up and laddered the fifth floor. Tanker 53 supplied Squad 54, and Squad 53 setup to supply Ladder 54 if needed. 54-15 assigned

Command 41 as Safety & Accountability. 54-16 from Ladder 54 took charge of interior operations, advised that the fire started on the third floor; the fourth floor was checked with no extension. The burnt material appeared to be some sort of rubber inside the shaker. Command placed the incident under control. Responding units were Squad 54, Ladder 54, Tanker 54, Command 54, Tanker 53, Squad 53, B-53, Ladder 46-2 E46-6, Tanker 55, Rescue 55, Squad 41, 41-1 Command 41 and FM-13.

- Submitted by Barry Laise

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Fire News, April 2021, Page 9

Branch School Road Fire On February 1, 2021, at 234, the Laurel, Delmar, and Sharptown fire departments along with SCEMS were alerted for a reported house on fire on Branch School Road. Engine Tanker 74-2 was still at an alarm on North Spring Hill Road. Engine Tanker 74-2 arrived first to find a 2-1/2 story balloon frame with fire showing. The crew made quick work on knocking down visible fire before entering the A side.

Engine 81-4 arrived from Laurel and made entry through the C side of the structure. Truck 74 set up and ventilated. Engine Tanker 14 from Sharptown arrived and their crew assisted with overhaul. Crews were on scene for about one hours. - Submitted by Michael Lowe

Engine 17 Assists Goodwill Just before 1100 on January 28, 2021, Engine 17 was alerted as a staffed replacement to assist Goodwill Fire Company on a residential structure fire on Moore Avenue in the Baldton development of New Castle. Squad 17 made the response and was assigned RIT on arrival. Later in the incident they were released and assisted with overhaul on the D side of the structure.

- Photos courtesy of Chad Ingram; Submitted by Charles Hayes

Page 10, Fire News, April 2021

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Millsboro Control Burn Training

With the large number of chicken houses in rural Sussex County, Millsboro firefighters practicing dealing with water supply issues and exposure protection while noting burn behavior.

- Submitted by Larry Gum

Colonial Ave. House Fire On February 17, 2021, Station 16, along with mutual aid companies, responded to the 200 block of Colonial Avenue for a house fire. Deputy 16 arrived to fire showing from the second floor. Engine 16 arrived and began extinguishing the fire, while Ladder 16 arrived as the first-due special and initiated searches and OV functions.

- Photo by Brian Pollack, Jr.; story by Krista Foulke; submitted by Frank Maule

Residential Fire in Dover Firefighters battled a working residential structure fire on Woodcrest Drive, in Dover, on February 3, 2021.

- Submitted by Mike Steindl

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Fire News, April 2021, Page 11

Page 12, Fire News, April 2021

Wilmington Commercial Structure Fire

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Shortly after 1935 on March 5, 2021, Wilmington firefighters on the B Platoon were alerted to a commercial structure fire on West 25th Street. Units arrived to fire showing from the rear of a single-story commercial structure. The incident commander, Battalion Chief Gordon Davis, requested an additional engine company to respond. Crews made an aggressive interior attack. Simultaneously, additional crews searched the structure for occupants with negative results. The incident commander, Battalion Chief Gordon Davis, placed the scene under control with crews working at 2010. The dwelling sustained heavy fire damage and significant smoke damage.

- Submitted by John Looney

Ladder Assist Wilmington Manor Just after 2000 on January 26, 2021, units were dispatched for a house fire in the 100 block of West Lincoln Avenue. Deputy 28 arrived to find a twostory single-family dwelling with fire showing from the Charlie side. Crews deployed handlines to the Charlie side to find an approximately 15- x 20foot shed involved, with exposure to the house. Ladder 17 assumed RIT. The fire was held to the shed only, allowing minimal damage to the house.

Crews worked on scene for approximately two hours.

- Submitted by Charles Hayes

Harrington Vehicle Fire On February 6, 2021, at 1216, the Harrington Fire Company was dispatched for a vehicle fire on Delaware Avenue in the area of Raughley Hill Road. Firefighters arrived to find a passenger vehicle fully involved. Crews placed one line in service and quickly extinguished the fire. Units on scene: 50 Command, Engine 501, Engine 50-5, Ambulance A-50, Fire Police and Harrington Police. Officer in charge: Fire Chief Robbie Brode.

- Submitted by Earl Brode

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Fire News, April 2021, Page 13

Page 14, Fire News, April 2021

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Rehoboth Beach Assist Lewes

Recently, Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company assisted Lewes with a structure fire in the WoodBridge Development, off of Coolspring Road.

- Submitted by Chuck Snyder

Burning Odor Investigated On March 17, 2021, Hockessin Ladder 19 went in service at the Harvest Market investigating a burning odor.

- Submitted by Jordan Edgerton

Working Building Fire On January 31, 2021, at 1554, the Harrington Fire Company was dispatched to a structure fire on Fernwood Drive in the Fernwood Development. Command arrived on scene and reported smoke showing from a police building and requested the alarm be upgraded to a working alarm, adding Carlisle (Milford), Houston, Felton and Kent County EMS. Crews deployed several lines and the fire was brought under control in approximately an hour. Units on scene: 50 Command, Engine 504, Engine 50-5, Engine/Tanker 50-2, Tower 50, Ambulance A-50 and B50, Utility 50-8, Tanker 52, Engine 52-5, Engine/Tanker 48-5, Engine 48-1, Ladder 42, Engine/Tanker 42-5, KM-8, Fire Police and FM-13.

Officer in charge: 3rd Assistant Chief Danny McLaughlin.

- Submitted by Earl Brode

Page 16, Fire News, April 2021

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Extrication and Fire in Georgetown MVA Recently, Blades Fire Company crews responded to an MVA with reported entrapment and on fire on County Seat Highway and Asbury Road in Georgetown. Crews arrived to find the patient was pulled from the burning vehicle by a bystander.

- Submitted by Jason Hudson

Fatality, Injuries at Wilmington Blaze At 1133 on March 15, 2021, Wilmington firefighters on the C Platoon were alerted to a residential structure fire with persons trapped on West 24th Street. Crews arrived to fire showing from the first floor of a two-story semi-detached residence. Crews immediately stretched lines and began an aggressive interior attack. Other crews searched all levels of the residence and quickly located a female victim on the second floor who was removed to St. Francis EMS and New Castle County Paramedics and transported to Christiana Hospital with CPR in progress. Two additional victims from the residence were located outside suffering from smoke inhalation; a firefighterwas also transferred withg a back injury.

One resident succumbed to injuries suffered.

- Submitted by John Looney and Wilmington FD

It’s “Only” an Automatic Fire Alarm During the morning hours of February 17, 2021, the Millville Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched to respond to an automatic fire alarm in Ocean View. Captain Matt Mudry was first to reach the gated home and made the customary attempts to open an automatic gate, with negative results. Assistant Chief Walt Johnson gained access to the property by foot and Captain Mudry instructed Pump Operator Dennis Ayres to ram the gate with Engine 84-2 to gain entrance. The fire was located in a rear detached garage not visible to those having only a view from the street level. With the additional help from other local fire companies, the fire was quickly brought under control. I believe this is incident can be themed as an incident that erodes the myth, “it’s only an automatic fire alarm.”

- Submitted by Tony Petralia, PIO - Millville VFC

Christiana Assists Aetna Hose Hook and Ladder

On March 15, 2021, at 1815 hours, Christiana Fire was dispatched to assist Aetna for a house fire in Robscott Manor. Chief 9-8 arrived and reported smoke showing from a two-story single-family dwelling. E 9 arrived and stretched a handline inside to begin the fire attack. E 12 secured E9’s hydrant and stretched a second handline to the first floor. E 9 knocked down the bulk of the fire. SQ 12 arrived as and stood by at a secondary water source. Crews found a fire in the laundry/mud room with some extension into the ceiling. CFC crews operated for one hour.

- Submitted by Dennis Godek

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Fire News, April 2021, Page 17

Second Alarm Structure Fire On March 7, 2021, Ladder 12 was alerted to cover Station 11, Brandywine Hundred, during a second-alarm fire at the Valley Run Townhouses in the Claymont Fire District. Claymont Command requested an additional engine and ladder to the scene. L12 was dispatched and upon arrival was assigned to Division Charlie. L12 crew performed overhaul and salvage at the direction of Charlie side Supervisor Chief 16 (Facciolo). L12 operated for just over one hour.

- Submitted by Dennis Godek; photo courtesy of Claymont Fire Company

Rehoboth Beach Brush and Building Fire Recently, Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company crews responded to a brush fire with exposures on Carolina Street off of Coastal Highway, north of Dewey Beach. Arriving members found two outbuildings on fire with a large area of brush and fencing burning. Firefighters did a great job of containing it and were on scene for about 90 minutes.

The Delaware State Fire Marshal was investigating.

- Submitted by Chuck Snyder

Page 18, Fire News, April 2021

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Looking Back Dover Fire Department Handles House Fire

Clayton Fire Company Responds to Structure Fire

On July 17, 2011 at 0621, the Dover Fire Department was dispatched to 114 Spruance Rd for a working house fire.

- photo and story provided by Michael O’Connor, Assistant Chief Dover Fire Department

Sta 45, Rescue Co. 43, Sta 51 for the RIT, Amb 64 & Medic KM6 were dispatched for the structure fire at 67 Braxton Terrace in the Heritage Trace Development.

- photo by Gene Shaner

Friends School Blaze Damage Estimated at $2 Million A midday fire at the historic Friends School campus near Wilmington, DE prompted one of the largest mutual aid responses in recent Delaware history.

- photo by Lou Angeli

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Fire News, April 2021, Page 19

Fatal Residential Fire with Rescue On January 14, 2021, at 1309, Christiana Fire and automatic aid companies were dispatched to a residential structure fire on Rice Drive in Bear. E 12, L 12, Chief 12-8 (Cowperthwait), and Battalion 12 (Godek) responded. At 1312 hours, CFC past-Deputy Chief Larry (Bub) Duhadaway arrived at the scene in his POV and reported a female trapped and, without any PPE, observed the victim through heavy smoke, lying in the center hallway on the first floor and removed her through the front door. A6 and NCC Medic 6 transported the victim to the Christiana Trauma Center. She was transferred to a hospital in Philadelphia where she succumbed to her injuries several days later. E12 stretched a handline through the front door and encountered heavy fire at the door between the kitchen and an addition on the Charlie side. L 9 conducted primary searches of the second floor and basement. L 18 found some extension. Crews performed extensive overhaul.

FM29 responded an investigate. Crews operated for two hours.

- Submitted by Dennis Godek

Garage Fire in Harrington On March 12, 2021, at 1900, the Harrington Fire Company was dispatched for a nondwelling fire on New Orleans Street in the area of Corn Crib Road. Captain Mark Scribner, Jr. (50-22), was in the area and responded. Upon arrival he reported a 12- x 24-foot garage fully involved with exposures to multiple other structures. The call was upgraded to a working alarm adding Farmington (Station 47) and Houston (Station 52) along with Kent County EMS KM-8. Crews worked extinguishing the fire and performing overhaul. The scene was then placed under control and the scene was then turned over to the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office for further investigation. Units on scene: Officer 50-22, 50 Command, Engine 50-4, Engine/Tanker 50-2, Ambulance A-50, Rescue 47, Engine/Tanker 47-3, Engine 52-5, Tanker 52-7, Ambulance A-52, KM-8 and FM-13. Officer in charge: Fire Chief Robbie Brode.

- Submitted by Earl Brode

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2021, Page 21

Residential Structure Fire in Wilmington Shortly after 1526 on February 16, 2021, Wilmington firefighters on the B Platoon were alerted to a residential structure fire on West 21st Street. Units arrived to fire showing from the second-floor rear of a two-story semi-detached dwelling. Crews made an aggressive interior attack on both dwellings as additional crews searched all levels of the dwellings for occupants with negative results. Fire Chief Michael Donohue placed the scene under control with crews working at 1640. The dwelling sustained heavy fire damage and significant smoke damage. The adjoining dwelling sustained heavy fire to the second-floor rear. Approximately 28 fire and EMS personnel responded.

- Submitted by John Looney

Squad 17 Assists Mill Creek Recently, Squad 17 responded as the duty engine to assist Mill Creek Fire Company on a residential structure fire on Melson Road just off of Grafton Drive. Squad 17 secured the water supply for the first-in engine. The crew handled the backup line.

Crews advancing discovered hoarding conditions which prompted the incident commander to request an additional ladder and engine. Units remained on scene for several hours.

- Submitted by Charles Hayes

Page 22, Fire News, April 2021

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Spruce Ave. House Fire On February 5, 2021, at around 2000, Station 16, along with mutual aid companies, were dispatched to the 1200 block of Spruce Avenue for a residential fire. Engine 16 with a crew of five arrived as the call was being dispatched and stretched a line. Christiana Assistant Chief/Elsmere past-Chief Dennis Godek arrived and established Elsmere Command. As mutual aid companies arrived, the crew of Engine 16 located the basement steps as well as the fire.

The fire was extinguished with two handlines and the call was shortly placed under control.

- Fire News photo by Frank Maule

Fire Out on Arrival Recently, the Blades Fire Company responded with mutual aid crews to a reported kitchen fire on Nanticove Drive, in Blades. Crews arrived to find the fire was put out by the homeowner with an extinguisher.

- Submitted by Jason Hudson

Page 24, Fire News, April 2021

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Up Close & Personal

On January 30, 2021, 13 members of Mill Creek Fire Company participated in Surface Ice Rescue Training or SIRT. - Submitted by Amy L. Mossinger

A Wilmington firefighters on the B platoon at a structure fire.

- Submitted by John Looney

Millsboro Fire Company’s monthly drill night.

- Submitted by Larry Gum

Millsboro firefighters practicing dealing with water supply issues and exposure protection while noting burn behavior of chicken houses.

- Submitted by Larry Gum

The Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company training recently.

- Submitted by Chuck Snyder

Firefighters battling a residential structure fire on Woodcrest Drive, in Dover, on February 3, 2021.

- Submitted by Mike Steindl

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Fire News, April 2021, Page 25

Page 26, Fire News, April 2021

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Millsboro MVA Recently, the Millsboro Fire Company responded to an MVA with reported entrapment on the John J. Williams Highway at Mountaire. On arrival crews found a pickup versus a commercial vehicle in the road.

- Fire News photo by Larry Gum

MVA on So. Dupont Station 47 along with Ambulances 78 and 50, KM8 and Trooper 2 were alerted for an MVA with reported ejection on South Dupont Highway just south of School Street. Trooper 2 transported one patient.

Units responding were Command 47, Rescue 47, Engines 47-4 and 47-5, 47-7, A-78, B-50, KM8, Trooper 2. Assistant Chief Taylor had the command.

- Submitted by Tom Williams

MVC with Vehicle Overturned in Water and Subjects Trapped On March 15, 2021, at approximately 0627, the Harrington Fire Company was dispatched for an unknown MVA on Whitelysburg Road in the area Wolfpit Ridge Road. While responding, units were advised that Kent County 911 was taking additional calls for a report of a vehicle overturned in water and subjects trapped in the vehicle. Felton Fire (Sta. 48) was alerted for the Rescue and Ambulance assist. Both EMS crews entered the water and began attempting to access the trapped subjects. Units confirmed one subject had self-extricated and two subjects were still trapped in the vehicle. R-50 arrived and placed hydraulic tools in service and with the assistance of the EMS crews were able to get one of the doors open. Both of the trapped subjects were removed and taken to awaiting ambulances. All three occupants were transported to local hospitals for treatment.

Units on scene: 50 Command, Ambulances A-50, B-50, C-50, A-48, B-48, Rescue 50, Engine 50-1, Rescue/Engine 48-1, Kent County EMS KM-5, KM-8 and KM-10, DSP Aviation Trooper 2 and Trooper 4, Delaware State Police Troop 3 Patrol Units, Harrington PD and Fire Police. Officer in charge: Fire Chief Robbie Brode.

- Submitted by Earl Brode

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2021, Page 27

Rehoboth Beach Handles MVA

Recently, Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company responded to an MVA on Coastal Highway in front of Dewey Beer Company.

One patient was transported to Beebe Medical Center.

- Submitted by Chuck Snyder

1 Injured in MVA on Route 24 Recently, Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company units responded to an MVA in the area of the Beacon School on Route 24. One patient was transported to Beebe Medical Center for injuries.

- Submitted by Chuck Snyder

Page 30, Fire News, April 2021

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1 Injured, Medevac’d in Millsboro MVA Recently, Millsboro crews responded to an MVA with overturn and ejection. The patient was packaged for a medevac by Delaware State Police Aviation.

- Submitted by Larry Gum

Mill Creek MVA with Rollover On March 3, 2021, at 1033, Mill Creek Fire Company was dispatched for an MVA/rollover on Limestone Road at South Jane Way. Responding crews confirmed the rollover and entrapment.

Hydraulic rescue tools were quickly placed in service, with crews using struts to secure the vehicle before performing a roof fold to gain access to the occupant. Ambulance A2 with NCCo Paramedics Medic 3 transported the patient to Christiana Hospital for evaluation.

- Submitted by Amy L. Mossinger

Extrication on Marsh Branch Road On February 27, 2021, Station 47 along with Ambulance 78, KM8 and Trooper 2 were alerted for an MVA on Marsh Branch Road. Assistant Chief Greenlee advised there was one subject trapped in the vehicle, which added Station 78 to the assignment. Units responding were Rescue 47, Engine 47-4, 47-7, A-78, Quint 78, Engine 78-4, KM8.

- Submitted by Tom Williams

MVA with Medevac On February 23, 2021, at approximately 0450, the station, along with Kent County Paramedics, Delaware State Police Aviation and Troop 3 Patrol Units were alerted for an MVC with rollover on Hopkins Cemetery Road, in the area of Pine Pitch Road. Units arrived to find a single-vehicle wreck versus a tree with injuries. The patient was evaluated on scene and then transported back to Station 50 via ambulance to be transferred to the aviation unit. DSP Trooper 4 then transported the patient to Christiana Hospital. Officer in charge: Assistant Chief Jeff Outten. Units responding: Command 50, Ambulance B-50, Rescue 50, Engine 50-1, Brush 50, Kent County ALS (KM-8) and Delaware State Police (Aviation- Trooper 4, Troop 3 Patrol Units).

- Submitted by Earl Brode

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2021, Page 31

Page 32, Fire News, April 2021

FireNews.com

Cover Story

Harrington House Fire

On February 28, 2021, the Harrington, Farmington and Houston fire companies, along with Kent County EMS, were dispatched to a residential structure fire in the 300 block of Messicks Road. Units arrived to heavy fire coming from the single-story residence.

Firefighter placed two lines in service and brought the fire under control in approximately 45 minutes. The scene was turned over to

the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office for further investigation.

Units on scene were 50 Command, 50-4, 50-2, 50-5, Rescue 50, B-50, C-50, 52-5, Tanker 52, Rescue 47, 47-4, KM-8, FM-28, Fire Police and Harrington PD. Officer in charge: Assistant Chief Jeff Outten.

- Submitted by Earl Brode

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Fire News, April 2021, Page 33

Decon Training with NCC Dive Team

On February 28, 2021, the Kent County Decon Team stepped in to assist the New Castle County Dive Team with their required training for recovering a submerged vehicle with air bags; and a body recovery. The Decon Team was to simply wash off the potential petroleum contamination. However, when the dive site is not accessible by the large fire/decon apparatus, improvisition determined what was needed at the dive site, as was getting a water source at the dive site. That is why the fire Gator made sense to use, since it probvided at least 125 gallons of water to run the decon line. Other equipment included a reducing manifold, garden (decon) hoses, sprayer, brushes, buckets and detergent. Normally we'd set up ponds to catch any contaminated run off. Coupled with the heavy rain the gator were the only things able to move with little problem. As the day wore on the dirt roadway from where the apparatus was parked and the grassy area where the dive site was became increasingly more waterlogged, making difficult for even utility pickups to transient the area. Another takeaway from the training was how heavy the dive teams tanks — regular scuba tanks — are compared to firefighting SCBAs. The tank systems weighs close to 100 pounds.

- Submitted by Barry Laise

Page 34, Fire News, April 2021

Antique Corner

FireNews.com

by Bob Romig

Sorry I have been a little behind on presenting our great list of antiques in Delaware. I would like to restart my column with the 1932 Howe/Gramm, model HG6302 owned by the Five Points Fire Company of Richardson Park, Delaware.

This unit was built by U.S. Fire Apparatus located in Wilmington, Delaware. It was purchased on June 17, 1932, for $3500 by the Five Points Civic Association (which is now known as the Five Points FC).

The old girl served us well for 24 years and then being sold for $350 in January of 1956. We lost track of it for more than 35 years. Some time in early 1991 a friend of mine said he knew where our Howe was, as he had the emblem off the hood. I eventually got the info from him of about where it was at.

In spring of 1991, Fire Company President Bob Romig located this unit at a mushroom farm off of Limestone Road in Hockessin. There was no doubt that this was our rig, as the lettering on the back of the truck above the hose reel was still there “Richardson Park.” Amazed that the unit was still intact, I contacted and met with the then-owner at the time, Ms. Eileen DiFilice, to discuss purchasing the old girl back for the fire company. Delighted that the fire company wished to re-acquire the apparatus, she offered to donate it if the company agreed to restore it to its former glory. She had used the old girl to water plants on her property and then stored it in a lean-to on her property.

On April 2, 1991, the fire company unanimously voted to accept DiFilice’s offer and pursue a complete restoration. After arriving at Station 17 she was housed in our garage out back and we started to tinker around with it with the help of Larry Duhadaway Sr. from Christiana. He tried to get the old girl running and it was blowing acorns and rabbit hair out of the exhaust. The company decided to contract with Delmarva Refurbishing in Trappe, Maryland. For the complete frameoff restoration, which began in the fall of 1993.

The frame was found to be in excellent shape given the unit’s age and the conditions it had endured. Frank Lindell, Sr., one of the last fire company members to drive the Howe before it was sold in 1956, restored the wood for the hose bed and ladders and rebuilt the battery box — all in anticipation of the old girl coming back to the station.

After 15 months, on January 28, 1995, members of the company, including Mr. Lindell, traveled to Trappe for a final inspection. There sat the Howe, gleaming and ready to roll, like the day it was delivered in 1932. Mr. Lindell had the opportunity to drive the rig that day, and following its triumphant return, she has won several awards at musters and parades. The men and women of the Five Points Fire Company look forward to sharing their proud heritage at future events.

We were very proud and pleased to be invited to the Auburn Heights Invitational Show at Marshall Steam Museum in Yorklyn, Delaware.

This is a very prestigious show held every year.

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2021, Page 35

KC*EMS

Kent County Department of Public Safety Promotes Megan Moerman The Kent County Department of Public Safety Emergency Services Division, is pleased to announce the promotion of Megan Moerman.

Megan assumed her new role on March 15, 2021.

Her career with Kent County began in 2007 as a Paramedic I, and she is now Operations Captain for the EMS Division. In her new role, Megan will supervise and coordinate all operations units for the Department of Public Safety. Some of her duties will include: scheduling and implementing special operations training and readiness functions; development of educational programs; oversight of operational aspects of the Division; and, supply and uniform procurement.

Public Safety Chief Colin Faulkner said, “From day one with the Department of Public Safety, Megan has exceeded expectations not only as a paramedic but as an eager participant

in many of our department’s special operations programs. She has excelled academically and remains in pursuit of opportunities to improve and expand upon our EMS Division’s initiatives. Megan is a role model for all and is well liked in the first responder community. We look forward to having Megan in our Administrative Division and remain excited about her future in the department.”

The EMS Division is responsible for delivery of advanced life support services to residents and visitors to the county. It ensures high quality emergency medical care through quality assurance reviews, continual in-service training and updates, and public education. The division also assists volunteer ambulance companies to provide a total medical system.

- Submitted by Kelly Pitts

Page 36, Fire News, April 2021

FireNews.com

NCC*EMS

New Castle County Paramedics Assist with Vaccination Events

Since January, paramedics across Delaware have assisted the Division of Public Health (DPH) and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) with multiple vaccination events throughout the state. Since the very first event, New Castle County Paramedics have developed significant pride in assisting Delaware’s most vulnerable populations. The rewarding experience of working shoulder-toshoulder with partner agencies and selfless volunteers has been gratifying for everyone involved. Citizen volunteers have made themselves readily available for numerous events and keep assisting as the vaccination process continues. The opportunity to assist our neighbors and fellow Delawareans continues to be an experience the New Castle County Paramedics will forever treasure.

- Submitted by Abigail Haas

Why We Train for Chaos Crews Get Creative with Patient Extrication

Recently, New Castle County Paramedics, Aetna Hose Hook and Ladder and Christiana Fire, were dispatched to Old Baltimore Pike and Robert L Melson Lane, in Newark for a report of an MVA with a subject trapped. NCCo Paramedics arrived to find a two-vehicle collision with a 53-year-old male entrapped. Firefighters worked for approximately 50 minutes to free the man. The man was treated on scene for possible internal injuries and long bone fractures, before he was flown to Christiana Hospital, in Stanton, via Christiana Care medevac LIFENET, in serious condition. A second patient refused transport. What made this incident particularly interesting, were some external factors highlighting why we train for anything but routine. When Trooper 4 attempted to respond to the incident they experienced a mechanical issue, preventing them from making the response. The decision to request Christiana Care LifeNet was made and due to the extended extrication, was ultimately used for the transport. At the same time, a cardiac arrest was dispatched in a near-by neighborhood pulling resources from surrounding areas as well as from the scene. This scene was an excellent example of teamwork, why we train together, hard work and tenacity.

- Submitted by Abigail Haas

On March 2, 2021, New Castle County Paramedics, along with Saint Francis EMS, responded to West 30th Street in the City of Wilmington for a diabetic emergency.

Responders arrived, quickly identified that the patient was in cardiac arrest, and upgraded the incident to include a response from Wilmington Fire Department and Police Department. After 14 minutes of high-quality CPR and advanced cardiac life support medications, the patient was successfully resuscitated. While the patient was stabilized, crews noted that they were going to have a difficult time extricating the patient from the second floor of the home due to narrow hallways and steep steps. Working together to come up with a plan, crews decided to remove the patient from the house out of the second story bedroom window via a Stoke’s basket and a ground ladder. The patient was secured and carefully removed from the home and transported to the hospital with pulses still present. As of March 20, 2021, the patient has already been discharged with no cognitive deficits. If not for the quick thinking and creative actions taken by crews on scene, the patient may not have had the same positive outcome.

- Submitted by Abigail Haas

Page 38, Fire News, April 2021

FireNews.com

NCC*EMS

Dredging Accident in Delaware River

On February 4, 2021, a worker performing dredging operations in the Delaware River became caught in a piece of equipment and was pulled into the machinery and subsequently into the river. Workers pulled the injured subject from water and he was transferred to a vessel for transport back to the Port of Wilmington. New Castle County Paramedics worked with City of Wilmington Fire

Department and Saint Francis EMS personnel in an attempt to resuscitate the patient. Treatment was a challenge as resuscitation occurred on a small vessel followed by transfer of the patient up to the dock for packaging and transport. This incident displayed the interagency cooperation that is needed during these types of incidents.

- Submitted by Abigail Haas

NCCo Announces Promotions The New Castle County Paramedics are pleased to announce the following promotions to Lieutenant and Sergeant. David Aber was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and Scott Kier, Jeffrey Russell and Allen Short were promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

Lieutenant David A. Aber Lieutenant Aber began his career with the New Castle County Emergency Medical Service in January 2001 and was appointed Paramedic in the summer. He graduated from the Einstein Paramedic Program in Philadelphia in 2000. Lieutenant Aber was instrumental in forming the Delaware Resuscitation Committee. He is an American Heart Association CPR Instructor, PHTLS Instructor and is a member of New Castle County’s Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Committee. Lieutenant Aber oversees the division’s office of Training and Continuing Education. He has received numerous unit citations and other awards.

Sergeant Scott B. Kier Sergeant Kier began his career with the New Castle County Emergency Medical Service in 2012 and was appointed Paramedic in December of 2012. Sergeant Kier graduated from Springfield College in Massachusetts in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in Emergency Medical Services Management. He was promoted to Paramedic First Class in July 2016 and to Paramedic Corporal in August 2019.

Sergeant Kier was promoted to his current position in January 2021 and is assigned to field operations, Platoon 3. Sergeant Kier was instrumental in organizing and instructing the Delaware Resuscitation Academy. Sergeant Kier has received numerous awards and acco-

lades, including Paramedic of the Quarter for the 4th Quarter of 2017, and Paramedic of the Year for 2017 from the Kiwanis Club of Wilmington.

Sergeant Jeffrey R. Russell Sergeant Russell began his career with the New Castle County Emergency Medical Service in 2003 as a paramedic recruit. He subsequently graduated from Delaware Technical and Community College in 2004. Sergeant Russell also graduated from the University of Louisiana-Monroe where he earned a bachelor’s degree in aviation management. He was promoted to Paramedic First Class in 2008 and then to Paramedic Corporal in 2012 and eventually Senior Corporal in 2018. Sergeant Russell served as a Field Training Officer is an assistant recruiter, member of the EMS bike team and member of the EMS honor guard.

Sergeant Russell is a Major in the Maryland Army National Guard. Sergeant Russell has earned numerous Sudden Cardiac Arrest save citations and distinguished unit citations from the EMS Division.

Sergeant Allen C. Short Sergeant Allen Short began his career with the New Castle County Emergency Medical Service in March 2006 as a Paramedic recruit.

He graduated from Delaware Technical and Community College Paramedic Program in 2008 with an associate degree in Applied Science. Sergeant Short was appointed to the position of Paramedic in March 2008. Sergeant Short was promoted to Paramedic First Class in February 2012, Paramedic Corporal in 2015, and Paramedic Senior Corporal in July 2019.

Sergeant Short was appointed to his current position in August of 2020. He has also served on the EMS bike team, as a field training officer, and as the New Castle County Paramedic Academy Coordinator for the 3rd Academy.

Sergeant Short is an American Heart Association CPR Instructor and is a PHTLS Instructor. In October of 2017, Sergeant Short was appointed to the Tactical Emergency Medical Services Team (TEMS)Team and is a certified CONTOMS Tactical Medical EMT-T, - Submitted by Abigail Haas

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2021, Page 39

NCC*EMS

NCCoParamedic Chief Promotions

The New Castle County Paramedics are pleased to announce that Assistant Chief Mark R. Logemann was promoted to the position of Chief, and Senior Lieutenant Christopher A. Johnson was promoted to the position of Assistant Chief.

Chief Mark R. Logemann Chief Mark R. Logemann was appointed to the New Castle County Emergency Medical Service in 1995. He was graduated from the Medical Center of Delaware Paramedic Training Program in 1996. He has served as the EMS Division PIO from 2000 to 2003 and as Field Training Officer for most of this time in field operations. He was promoted to the rank of Paramedic Corporal in 2004 and was subsequently promoted to the rank of Paramedic Sergeant in 2009 and to the rank of EMS Lieutenant in 2013. He was promoted to the

rank of EMS Captain in August 2015, and to EMS Assistant Chief in December 2015, where he served as Commander of both Operations Branch and Special Operations/ Administration Branch during his tenure.

Chief Logemann was appointed Acting Chief of Emergency Medical Services in October 2019, upon retirement of Chief Tan. Chief Logemann was appointed to his current position in July 2020. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware, where he holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He is also a graduate of the West Point Command and Leadership Academy program. Chief Logemann has received several official commendations, including three Distinguished Unit Citations, a tribute from the New Castle County Council, Pre-hospital Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivor Awards, and a Unit Letter of Commendation.

Assistant Chief Christopher A. Johnson Assistant Chief Christopher A. Johnson began his career with New Castle County Emergency Medical Service in 2002 while attending the Delaware Technical and Community College Paramedic Program. He received the Paramedic Program Outstanding Award upon graduation. Assistant Chief Johnson held field operations assignments at Medic 1 in Wilmington, Medic 4 in Edgemoor, Medic 2 in New Castle, Medic 7 in Prices Corner and Medic 3 in Newark. He was pro-

moted to the rank of Paramedic Sergeant in July 2013 and was assigned as a field supervisor on Platoon 3. In May 2015, he was promoted to Lieutenant and was reassigned to the Special Operations/Administration Branch as the Recruitment, Applicant Processing, and Field Training Coordinator. Assistant Chief Johnson was promoted to his current rank in November 2020 and is currently the Commander of the Special Operations/ Administration Branch.

He has received numerous awards, including a Distinguished Unit Citation, a Lifesaving award and multiple Pre-hospital Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivor Awards. He received the Paramedic of the Quarter Award for the third quarter of 2012 from the Kiwanis Club of Wilmington. He successfully completed the Police Command and Leadership Academy and is the first non-law enforcement graduate to have been awarded the Chief Harry Wilde Academic Achievement Award. Assistant Chief Johnson is now an instructor for the NJSACOP Command and Leadership Program. He is a member of Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder and a University of Delaware Emergency Care Unit alumni. Assistant Chief Johnson has an associate degree from Delaware Technical and Community College and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware.

- Submitted by Abigail Haas

CHANGE OF DATE: FDIC INTERNATIONAL RE-SCHEDULED FOR AUGUST 2 TO 7, 2021 The upcoming FDIC International, scheduled to take place on August 19-24, 2021, at the Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium will now take place August 2-7, 2021.

Recently the Indiana Convention Center presented us with the opportunity to move FDIC International two weeks earlier. After speaking to many of our community members and partners over the past few days, we agreed the move is appropriate. Moving FDIC International to August 2-7, 2021, means: • More hotels will be available (no other events will be in town at the same time), as opposed to limited hotels available during the previous dates. We are working to open our hotel blocks as quickly as possible and will notify you with more details ASAP. • All of FDIC’s conference and keynotes will take place in their historical locations. Moving allowed us access to our full space at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium. The previous dates would have forced us to use neighboring hotels for our program.

• FDIC International will be back to our traditional day pattern/schedule: • Hands-on Training (H.O.T.) Evolutions & Pre-Conference Workshops: Monday, August 2 - Tuesday, August 3, 2021 • Conference Classroom Sessions: Wednesday, August 4 - Friday, August 6, 2021 • Exhibition Halls and Outdoor Demonstration Areas: Thursday, August 5 - Saturday, August 7, 2021

• This move gives us greater flexibility and less time pressure for Move In/Move Out saving exhibitors overtime labor costs. Move in schedules will become available April 12.

This decision, like the others we’ve made in the past year, was not an easy one. We continue to prioritize your experience, and that includes the health and safety of each person joining us at the event.

We will continue to monitor and comply with state and local health department COVID-19 guidelines. This situation will remain fluid and more information and updates can always be found on our website.

With respect to our obligations to each other under the contract for the Event (the “Contract”), kindly note the following: • the change of date is made pursuant to clause 26 (Cancellation or Changes to Event) to re-schedule the dates of the Event, as referenced above; and • by way of reassurance, pursuant to clause 27 (Consequences of Variation) your booking for the Event under the Contract remains unaffected and continues to apply to the new dates of the Event.

Should you have any queries about the re-scheduled dates, please contact your account manager for more information.

Thank you again for your patience and understanding. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at FDIC@clarionevents.com.

Page 40, Fire News, April 2021

FireNews.com

DELAWARE STATE FIRE SCHOOL

Spring Training Season Opens at DSFS Sussex Facility

On March 13, 2021, the spring training season began for the Delaware State Fire School’s Sussex Facility as Bridgeville conducted Self-Survival and Structural Firefighting evolutions. Fourteen students were in attendance and performed searches and well as structural firefighting techniques.

- Submitted by Michael Lowe

Renovations Taking Place at Sussex Division of the Fire School

Career Day

The Delaware State Fire School was asked to create a presentation for Career Day for a local high school. So, Senior Instructors Kim O’Malley and Jack Wilson worked with instructor Brian Ferguson to make a presentation about firefighting.

The video made was about nine minutes in length and in it, Instructor Ferguson explained why he became a firefighter, some of the equipment and duties of a firefighter, and why he continues to do be a firefighter. He shared some insights to help anyone interested in how to start the journey of becoming a firefighter as well.

We look forward to continue to making ways to reach out to students of all ages with technology in the current times.

- Submitted by Kim O’Malley

Chief and Probie The Sussex Division of the Fire School is undergoing a facelift as representatives from Tri State Carpet began carpet replacement throughout the building. Workers scheduled installation around classes to provide a minimal amount of disruption to schedules.

- Submitted by Michael Lowe

Forcible Entry Prop Five Points Fire Company, took advantage of the Fire School’s portable forcible entry prop to conduct training on February 24, 2021.

Twelve students were present for the hands-on evolutions.

- Submitted by Michael Lowe

Bridgeville Fire Chief Buddy Willey mentors a new firefighter on his first trip to the Sussex Division of the Fire School.

- Submitted by Michael Lowe

Page 42, Fire News, April 2021

FireNews.com

DELAWARE STATE FIRE SCHOOL

Residential Sprinklers: “Isn’t It Time?”

As we take a look at the methods of preventing fires and providing protection to our citizens, there is a piece that is not receiving proper attention or effort from the fire service community. That would be residential sprinklers and the promotion and outright sale of this valuable tool to keep us safe.

The Delaware Fire Sprinkler Coalition works hard to provide information and address areas of expansion where protection could be vital.

• Do local fire departments provide support of residential sprinklers? Isn’t it time?

• Do local fire departments monitor the development of land use within their districts? Isn’t it time?

• Are local fire departments familiar with statistics such as in Sussex County alone, fire departments responded to fires in 49 mercantile structures, 285 single dwellings and 54 multiple dwellings in 2020 alone? Isn’t it time?

• Are local fire officials ready to stand toe to toe with opponents and provide proper information to combat the misinformation that is provided? Isn’t it time?

• How many within the fire service community know that a

residential sprinkler system can be installed for less than $2 per square foot and in many cases even less? Isn’t it time?

• How many citizens realize that a home built in the 1960s provided possibly as long as 15 minutes to escape a fire? Today that time is less that five minutes. Isn’t it time?

The issue of protecting our citizens from the dangers of fire is so much more than responding to the alert of a pager. A statement was made once that, “When the pager activates, we have failed.” We have likely failed to provide information on interventions that would prevent an emergency. Should we refocus our efforts? Isn’t it time?

- Submitted by Michael Lowe

Wilmington Police Recruit Class Attends DSFS The 100th Recruit Class of the Wilmington Police Deptartment attended the Delaware State Fire School for its Law Enforcement Fire Survival Training on March 15 and 16, 2021.

Nineteen students were in attendance and completed HazMat Awareness certification as well as training in fire behavior, ladders, sprinkler systems and fire extinguishers.

- Submitted by Michael Lowe

Sparky Celebrates His 70th Birthday The Delaware State Fire School wishes Sparky the Fire Dog a happy 70th birthday.

Sparky the Fire Dog is the official mascot of the National Fire Protection Association.

Created in 1951 to promote fire safety education for children, he is a Dalmatian dressed in firefighting gear.

A children’s book written about Sparky by Don Hoffman was published in 2011. He serves as the spokesdog for Fire Prevention Week each October in the United States and Canada. For more information please see www.Sparky.org.

- Submitted by Michael Lowe

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2021, Page 43

DELAWARE STATE FIRE SCHOOL

Fire School’s Mike Lowe Makes Media Appearance

Weller Does Delmarva is a live, local, energized radio and streaming show. Broadcast live every Saturday from 0700 to 0900, on Delaware 105.9 FM radio and TV Delmarva. In the show host Jim Weller interviews guests regarding current events and lifestyles on Delmarva.

On February 13, 2021, Mike Lowe, Senior Instructor of the Delaware State Fire School appeared as a guest. Discussion took place

regarding the role of the Fire School and its history, the local emergency services and topics such as membver recruitment and retention.

Future plans are for the emergency services and the Fire School to be represented once a quarter on the broadcast.

- Submitted by Michael Lowe

Page 44, Fire News, April 2021

FireNews.com

TRAINING

Rehoboth Beach VFC Trains

The Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company continues to do lots of training with its members.

- Submitted by Chuck Snyder

Millsboro Trains Millsboro Fire Company’s monthly drill night.

- Submitted by Larry Gum

To Be or Knot To Be….

Each year the Clayton Fire Company host an annual knot tying class. This year’s was held on February 15, 2021, at the station and taught by past-Chief Wes Davis. The class is a review of the knots that every firefighter should know to tie off equipment or use on the fire ground. This basic class is one most firefighters look forward to and is one of our best attended. Past-Chief Skip Carrow stated, “Knot tying is a lot like throwing ladders. You stop when you run out of windows or stop tying knots when you run out of rope.” Clayton Fire Chief John Pridemore said, “It is easy to go to the fire school, set fires and put them out, but to keep the basic things at the forefront makes us all better.”

- Submitted by Kevin L. Wilson; PIO

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Fire News, April 2021, Page 45

TRAINING

Ice Rescue Training for Mill Creek

On January 30, 2021, 13 members of Mill Creek Fire Company participated in practical evolutions of the Surface Ice Rescue Training or SIRT program put on by Atlantic Technical Rescue of Rescue 3 Northeast. Members traveled in the early morning hours to Deep Creek Lake in western Maryland to take the plunge in four-degree temps. After an exhausting day of rescuing each other, MCFC now has additional certified personnel to perform critical tasks needed

within our district. Thank you to Deputy Chief W. Meehan, Assistant Chief J. Warrick, Chief Engineer W. Mossinger, Lieutenants T. Warrick and N. DelDuco and Firefighters J .Aiken, T. Clemens, J. Doughten, S. Gibson, M. Sheats, R. Mossinger, B. Pollack, and J. Schumacher for continuing your dedication to the fire service and the community.

- Submitted by Amy L. Mossinger

New Member Training On March 11, 2021, another night of New Member Training was held.

Several members attended the class which was on deploying and advancing hand lines. Members E. J. Castagna and Chad Hayes conducted the training using cross-lay props. This gives us the ability to give accurate training without tying up the fire truck.

Members were instructed how to deploy the lines using the shoulder load method and advance to the entrance of the structure and how to flake the line out to allow advancement into the structure. Thanks to everyone who participated and helped with this exercise.

- Submitted by Charles Hayes

Page 46, Fire News, April 2021

FireNews.com

Firefighters Recognized for Heroism

On February 15, 2021, Chief Tom Rigsby, Deputy Chief Jeff Brown, Firefighter Fred Chase and career Firefighter Frank Fitzgerald were recognized for outstanding heroism during a rescue operation of a fellow firefighter who had fallen through the floor of a burning home. The proclamations were read to the general membership at the regular company meeting.

Representative Lyndon Yearick, Senator Dave Lawson, Senator Charles W. (Trey) Paradee read and presented each firefighter with their individual proclamation. Patricia Anderson, mother of Firefighter Colpo was also on hand to present firefighter Chase with his proclamation.

Assistant Chief Chris Chase accepted the proclamation as a proxy for his brother Fred.

On October 25, 2020, Camden Wyoming Fire Company was called

to assist Magnolia Fire Company with a structure fire. During fire suppression operations career Firefighter Chris Colpo became trapped in the basement after falling through a hole in the flooring near the living room of the structure. After hearing Colpo’s call for help, firefighters were activated for a search and rescue mission and were ultimately successful in getting Colpo to safety.

At the completion of the proclamation ceremony Rep. Yearick, Senators Lawson, Paradee and Bonini (not present) presented President Dave Reed with a donation of $400.

The department is thankful that our elected official have the same compassion for our volunteer and career firefighters as we do for the citizens we serve.

- Submitted by Mike Steindl

Another 50-Year Member for Cheswold LA The Cheswold Ladies Auxiliary has once again added a 50-year member to their roster of dedicated volunteers. Cathy Martin joined the Auxiliary in March 1971 at the same time her husband Steve Martin joined the fire company. Both Cathy and Steve have not only been very active members, but also have contributed to the success of the organization. It was with great pride that Cheswold Ladies Auxiliary took a moment to honor Cathy for her continued dedication and commitment.

- Submitted by Ddemdot@aol.com

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Fire News, April 2021, Page 47

Major Construction on Interstate 95

Earlier in March, DelDot began a major project reconstructing several miles of Interstate 95. This project began by closing the northbound lanes and shifting traffic to lanes on the southbound side. After that is completed, they will switch to closing the southbound side.

The entire project will take about two years. This is going to cause issues for companies accessing the highway for emergencies due to ramps being closed, etc. Accidents that occur in the narrowed lanes also cause access problems due to blocking traffic flow.

- Submitted by Charles Hayes; photos courtesy of DelDot

Save the Dates for CVVFA Events

The Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association (CVVFA) has a lot of exciting things ahead and we invite you to be a part of them!

CVVFA has partnered with the National Volunteer Fire Council, Delaware Volunteer Firefighter’s Association, and the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York to discuss Recruitment and Retention on April 28, 2021, at the Congressional Fire Service Institute (CFSI)’s Virtual Symposium. This is a free event. Registration through CFSI is required. Go to www.cfsi.org for more information.

The 120th Annual Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association has been set for Saturday, August 7, 2021, via Zoom. As part of the 120th celebration, CVVFA plans to offer a day of virtual fun, education and information to the public safety community.

In addition to the annual convention, CVVFA is also asking members to save the date for the annual spring meeting. This meeting will be held via Zoom on May 15, 2021 at 0900. Visit www.CVVFA.org for more information.

- Submitted by Dr. Candice McDonald

Page 48, Fire News, April 2021

FireNews.com

Obituaries

Holloway Terrace’s George Gott The Holloway Terrace Fire Company mourns the loss of George ‘Terry’ Gott, who passed away on February 13, 2021, at the age of 55.

He was the son of the late Thomas M., Sr.,and Lucille (Logan) Gott. Terry was a union painter with Local Union 100, where he also served as the Recording Secretary. He also worked for Local Union 2011 out of Philadelphia. He was a passionate Eagles, Phillies and NASCAR fan, as well as an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting.

Terry is survived by his wife, Linda (Toy) Gott, daughter Grace Gott, and his nephew who was like a son, Joshua Toy, his brothers Thomas ‘Mark’ Gott (Marge), and twin brother Joseph Gott (Darlene), sisters Deborah Ann Sapp (Jim), Catherine Burris (Bobby) Joanne Zurawski and Florence Sheets.

He will be greatly missed.

- Submitted by Randy Roberts

Holloway Terrace’s William Nutter III The Holloway Terrace Fire Company mourns the loss of William F. ‘Skip’ Nutter III, 44.

Skip was a life member, serving for 29 years. He joined the Holloway Terrace Fire Company as a Junior Firefighter in 1991. He served as President of the Junior Firefighters, Fire Recorder, 1st Lieutenant of Rescue, 3rd Assistant Engineer and Chief Engineer. In addition to serving on numerous committees, Skip was also a Master Mason with St. John’s Lodge 2 and a long-time member and past-President of the Police, Fire, Rod and Gun Club of New Castle.

In addition to his father, Skip was preceded in death by his first wife, Rhonda Nutter. He is survived by his mother and by his wife Stephanie Nutter, sons Steven, Shane and Seth Fagles and his sister Laura Russo.

He will be greatly missed.

- Submitted by Randy Roberts

Holloway Terrace’s, Minquadale’s William C. Mohr The Holloway Terrace Fire Company mourns the loss of William C. ‘Bill’ Mohr, 65, who passed away on February 25, 2021.

Born in Milford, Delaware, he made his career as a truck driver with Contractors Hauling, Inc. Bill was a dedicated community servant and was a very active member of the Holloway Terrace Fire Company and was the leader of the company’s Fire Police 20-9. He was also a Life Member of the Minquadale Fire Company.

Bill was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish, especially with his sons, grandchil-

dren and brothers. He was great with his hands and had the ability to fix anything, so much so that he was fondly known as the “area handyman.”

Bill is survived by his wife of 44 years, Cheryl A. (Williams) Mohr; sons Ryan J. Mohr and William C. Mohr, Jr., (Nikki); grandchildren, William C. Mohr, III and Alyssa M. Mohr; brothers Richard (Karen), Larry (Sarah), Jay and Allen and his sister Betty Irwin.

He will be greatly missed.

- Submitted by Randy Roberts

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Fire News, April 2021, Page 49

Obituaries

Carlisle’s Robert M. Caiola Robert M. ‘Bobby’ Caiola, 75, of Milford, formerly of Walton, New York, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 15, 2021, at Bayhealth Sussex Campus.

He was born in Bay Shore, New York, the son of the late Samuel Caiola and Annabelle McMann. Throughout his life, Bobby was a jack of all trades and was an accomplished tradesman with a knack of perfecting whatever projects he was working on. He was a residential maintenance mechanic, electrician, machinist, a commercial diver, underwater welder and marine salvage specialist. Bobby enjoyed being an active member of the community whether it be in Walton, NY or Milford, DE, for he loved unselfishly giving of himself to assist others. He enjoyed being able to help anyone who was in need and he felt the way to do that was to participate in his community.

Bobby loved to cook and even took a culinary class at Del Tech just for something to do. He was a member of Carlisle Fire Company of Milford, and; the Walton Fire Company, Walton; the Boy Scouts of America, where he served as an assistant scout master and taught advanced leadership training; a member of the Lawdogs LE/MC (made up from Law Enforcement Agencies, Firefighters, EMTs, and our Military Service men and women), and the Milford Elks Lodge 2401. In his spare time, Bobby enjoyed doing leather work, riding motorcycles, was an avid collector of junk and was an A-1 Hoarder (with everything chronicled and stacked accordingly.)

Bobby is survived by his wife of 38 years Debra Caiola; two sons Billy Caiola and his wife Kristin and Jimmy Caiola and his wife Alex;

two daughters Dawn Bonfiglio and her husband John and Bobbie Jo Ellefson and her husband Mark; four grandchildren Samantha, Leighann, Melanie and Joey; and one great grandson Robby.

- Submitted by Bill Carpenter

DE State Fire Chiefs’, Seaford’s, Salisbury’s William Higgins The Delaware State Fire Chiefs mourn the loss of their Past President William Higgins who passed away on February 12, 2021. He was 82.

In 1980, he was appointed Deputy Chief of the City of Salisbury Fire Department and served in that position until 1992 at which time he was selected to be the Fire Chief. In 2000, he retired and worked part time with the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office in Court Security. He was involved with leadership and administrative duties at Salisbury Fire Station 2 up to the time of his death.

Chief Higgins was past-Chief of the Seaford Fire Company and President of the Delaware State Fire Chiefs in 1981 where he was instrumental in leading statewide efforts to install the 911 system.

- Submitted by Brian Reeder

Page 50, Fire News, April 2021

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Obituaries

Millsboro’s Lynn Bullock Lynn Bullock was a 54-year life member of the Millsboro Fire Company, passed away on March 18, 2021. He was 76.

He will be remembered as a long-time public servant, local hero, and respected leader. He served Millsboro as a Councilman and Mayor and volunteered with the Millsboro Fire Department since 1967, serving as President and Chief Engineer among other roles. He received numerous awards including DE State Firefighter of the Year, DE State Fire Policeman of the Year, Millsboro Fire Company Ned Carey Award, and was inducted into the Delmarva Fire Association Hall of Fame. Lynn was an EMS driver for 15 years and a member of the EMS Board.

He is survived by Bonnie Kay Baker Bullock, his wife of 53 years and childhood sweetheart; daughter Jodi Bullock Megee and her friend Russ Dillon; son W. Wyatt Bullock, husband of Kimberly W. Bullock; son Seth T. Bullock, husband of Billie Jo Casapulla Bullock; grandchildren: Chelsea Megee Dengler, wife of Daniel Dengler; Chase Megee and his companion Courtney Wilson; Lake Megee; Kade and Saige Bullock; Kole and Bryant Bullock; Katelyn Casapulla and Cheyenne Peet; great-grandchildren: Jax Dengler, Patrick O’Donnell, Brylee Megee, Isabella and McKenna Garcia.

Memorial contributions may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, www.gracechurchmillsboro.com, or the Millsboro Fire Company, www.millsborofire.com.

- Submitted by Larry Gum

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Fire News, April 2021, Page 51

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Frankford Controlled Burn

In February of 2021, Frankford Volunteer Fire Company performed a drill and controlled burn on Thatcher Street.

Dagsboro, Selbyville, Gumboro, Clarksville, and some guests from Maryland participated in performing interior searches, ventilation, hose

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handling, and interior demo. After the training was completed, a controlled burn of the structure took place.

- Submitted by Michael Hudson

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Page 52, Fire News, April 2021

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Rehoboth Beach Awards and 2021 Officers

Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company held a member appreciation social on March 6, 2021, at the downtown fire station. Plenty of finger food and refreshments were provided by Bethany Blues. Yearly awards were given out as the leadership felt that members deserved recognition with all they have been through the last year.

Rehoboth Beach Mayor Stan Mills and City Manager Sharon Lynn stopped along with House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf and Senator Ernie Lopez.

Past-Chief Brian Burton received his 30 years of service pin and Deputy Chief Ralph

Karl received his 40 years of service pin.

Junior members, Wyatt Simpler, Jeremiah Burton, Zoe Peters and Ciera Barnett were given the Chiefs Award.

Fire Officers for 2021 were recognized.

They are: Fire Chief Chuck Snyder; Deputy Chief Ralph Karl; Assistant Chiefs Chatham Marsch, Lenny Marsch and Gordon Boslett; Chief Engineer Don-Don Mitchell; Safety Officer Dickie Lamb; Captains Kent Swarts and Ryan Peters; and Lieutenants John Meng, Joel Demott and Thomas Barrett.

Administrative Officers for 2021 were also recognized. They are President Danny

Mitchell, Vice-President Warren Jones, Secretary Quinn Ludwicki, Assistant Secretary Arnie Edelman, Treasurer Ted Doyle, Assistant Treasurer John Meng.

- Submitted by Chuck Snyder

Even with Covid Fire Prevention Moves Forward in Sussex County Even in this time of Covid-19 and the challenges it presents, the Sussex County Volunteer Firefighters Association moved forward with its annual Fire Prevention Poster and Essay Contest.

Contacts were made with local school, with emphasis also on homeschools as well as private schools. The committee was very pleased with the response received.

Judging took place on February 28, 2021, and it was decided by the committee that instead of one awards program this year there would be two separate programs to avoid any issues of social distancing and capacity issues.

Children would be divided into two groups.

Group one, with their program being hosted by the Millsboro Fire Company would be children from schools within the Route 13 and Route

113 corridors, of western and central Sussex County. The second program, hosted by Milton Fire Department, would be children from the Route 1 corridor in eastern Sussex County.

The program in Millsboro took place on March 21 with about 50 people in attendance.

Children received their plaques of recognition. Once completed a social time took place.

Row 1: Gia Forston, Matteo Lopez, Sofia Beranzo, Oliva Owens, Avery Bradford Row 2: A d r i a n a h Smullin, Bradley Tomeski, Joey Martinez.

Jaymie Arbana, Evan Fitler, Coen Moore, Will Jensen - Submitted by Michael Lowe

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Fire News, April 2021, Page 53

New Lieutenants for Rehoboth Beach VFC At the February meeting of the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company members passed a new By-Law to allow for the appointment of three Lieutenants. Fire Chief Chuck Snyder appointed John Meng, Joel Demott and Thomas Barrett to the positions for 2021.

- Submitted by Chuck Snyder

Three Times a Charm for Millsboro New Chief Millsboro Fire Chief for 2021, Dennis Swain, is no stranger to his position. Dennis started out with Station 89 Memorial Fire Company where he served as Chief, then after moving to Georgetown with Station 77 he was also Chief of the Georgetown Fire Company. Now with the Millsboro Fire Company Station 83 and serving as a fire officer he was elected Fire Chief for 2021. Maybe the only firefighter to serve as Fire Chief for three fire companies.

- Submitted by Larry Gum

Farmington Gets New Command Vehicle Farmington Fire Company places a new Command Vehicle in service.

- Submitted by Tom Williams

Five Points 100th Anniversary On February 21, 2021, the Five Points Fire Company turned 100 years old.

Many celebrations that were planned have now been canceled or postponed due to Covid restrictions. Even with the events canceled, we are excited to have this rich history. Hopefully, in the near future our membership will be able to gather and celebrate our birthday together.

- Submitted by Charles Hayes

Page 54, Fire News, April 2021

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Fire Marshal’s Report Millsboro Man Charged with Possession of an Incendiary Device

out injury. There were no other reported injuries. Fire damage was estimated as $250,000.

Michael G. Chionchio, Assistant State Fire Marshal The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal arrested a 22-year-old Delaware man on March 24, 2021, in connection with the discovery of several incendiary devices at his Millsboro, Delaware home.

State fire investigators along with the Delaware State Police and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control were called to the 26000 block of Hollyville Road on March 24, 2021, shortly after 1600 to investigate the discovery of suspicious items at the home. Investigators were able to determine that the items were several homemade incendiary devices. Deputy state fire marshals charged Joshua Rieley, also known as Job Gillette, with several counts of Possession of an Incendiary Device, all felonies. He was arraigned and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institute in lieu of a $127,500 secured bond.

Claymont Apartment Building Heavily Damaged by Fire Michael G. Chionchio, Assistant State Fire Marshal The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s office investigated a March 7, 2021 fire that heavily damaged a Claymont apartment building.

The two-alarm fire occurred around 0400 in the 1000 block of Stevens Place at the Valley Run Apartments near the PA state line. Claymont arrived to flames shooting from the occupied apartment building. Several neighboring fire companies and the New Castle County Paramedics also responded.

The building housed 12 units; all were badly damaged and were not inhabitable. More than 40 residents were displaced. Fire damage could possibly exceed $1,000,000. There were no reported injuries.

Electrical Malfunctions Causes Milton Fire

Discarded Ashes Ignite Camden Home

John M. Galaska, Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal investigated a structure fire that damaged a single family dwelling in Milton, Delaware on March 16, 2021. The fire, reported shortly before 0300, occurred in the 22000 block of Neptune Road in Milton. The Milton Fire Department arrived to smoke and flames coming from the structure. Mutual aid fire companies assisted at the scene. State fire investigators were called to the scene. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental in nature and occurred when an electrical malfunction of the structure’s fixed branch circuit wiring ignited available combustibles.

The house was occupied at the time of the fire. Occupants escaped with-

Michael G. Chionchio, Assistant State Fire Marshal A fire that heavily damaged a Camden, Delaware home early on March 2, 2021, was determined to be accidental by the Fire Marshal’s office.

The blaze, reported shortly after 0300, occurred in the 200 block of Steeles Ridge Road near Woodside. Camden-Wyoming along with neighboring mutual aid companies battled the flames. The fire originated on the home’s rear exterior deck when discarded fireplace ashes ignited household items on the deck engulfing the exterior of the occupied dwelling. Three occupants of the home escaped unharmed.

Heavy fire damage was estimated at $500,000. There were no reported injuries.

Page 56, Fire News, April 2021

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