Delaware Pioneers

Page 42, Fire News, June 2022 New Rig forHarrington’s EMS Fleet

On February 23, 2022, the Harrington Fire Company placed into service a 2021 Ford F550 Horton ambulance. This unit, known as C50, meets all the new NFPAguidelines set by the State of Delaware. C50 is a welcomed addition to ourEMS fleet. - Submitted by Earl Brode

Clayton Fire Company Top 10 Responders.

- Submitted by Skip Carrow

Millsboro Helps Easton

Millsboro Fire Company extended theirfellowship to the Easton (MD) Fire Company. Standby crews manned theirengine and Easton’s tower. - Submitted by Larry Gum

AFirst in Sussex County

On May 12, 2022, the Seaford VolunteerFire Department (SVFD) and IAFFLocal 5121 signed the first collective bargaining agreement between a fire department and its employees in Sussex County. In attendance were (left) Shop Steward Robin Andino, (center) SVFD President Patrick Gaskin and (right) Sussex County Uniformed Firefighters President Glenn Johnson Jr. - Submitted by Robin Andino

Talleyville Ladies Auxiliary Celebrates a Pioneer

Sara Lucille Vandenbraak has seen a lot of changes in her life, but one constant has been her unwavering service to the Talleyville Fire Company. ‘Dotty,’as she is known, turns 101 on May 21, 2022, and has dedicated 71 of those years to Talleyville as a hard-working member of their Ladies Auxiliary. Never one to want to hold office or be in the limelight, she has labored behind the scenes for decades, serving on multiple committees while raising six sons and watching them all answer the fire siren’s call.

Her involvement in fire service truly is a family affair. She remembers when her grandfather, who lived a few doors down from the firehouse in Talleyville in the early part of the last century, was alerted by phone whenever there was a fire. “Either he or my aunt would run to the firehouse to blow the siren,” she recalled. Her brothers and sisters all belonged to the fire company and eventually her husband, Gerry, whom she married in 1945, would also join, serving as President in the 60s and 70s. “My meeting was on Wednesday and his was on Tuesday so he stayed home and watched the boys on Wednesdays,” she remembers.

Dotty relishes the camaraderie she felt with the other women preparing dinners and doing crafts for the annual show. “The annual craft show was an excuse to gather all the ladies into my dining room to make crafts,” she says. There, lifelong friendships were formed and she still lives in the house where she raised her family and that sits just up the street from number 25. “I loved being so close to the firehouse because it was like family,” she said.

She also loved the parades at the annual conventions, especially if anywhere near a beach town. Having been a member of Delaware’s all-girl drum and bugle corps, she has marched in the parades since graduation from high school. One of the things she misses is an annual carnival held in a field across the street from the firehouse when Concord Pike was a two-lane road.

“I consider myself a shy person,” says Dotty, but the Ladies Auxiliary was “a way to get involved and meet people.” The feeling can only be mutual for all the people who have come to know and respect this great lady. Congratulations on your 101st birthday and on over 70 years of service. - Submitted by Jennifer Miller

Elsmere Celebrates 101 Years

On March 19, 2022, the Elsmere Fire Company celebrated 101 years of service to the citizens of the district. Congratulations to LuAnn Tiberi on being awarded ladies auxiliary Memberof the Year. Congratulations to the following members: Mike Wiktorowicz, Sr., on being awarded the President’s Award; the crew that responded to a fatal fire in Station 17 district back in May fora unit citation award foractions at the scene; and Stephen Cunningham forhis 50 years of service to the Elsmere Fire Company. Co-members of the yearwere Chief Mark Facciolo and President Ken Dunn. Great job to the banquet committee foranothersuccessful banquet. Thank you to the Goodwill Ladies Auxiliary forserving the food and thanks to Kim ‘Kimmie’ Ingram and Donald Eastburn forserving the bar. - Submitted by Frank Maule

FireNews.com

Fire News, June 2022, Page 43 William ‘Tucker’Dempsey is Fire School Director

(Left to right): Commissioners Richard Perillo, Ron Marvel, DirectorTucker, Commissioners, Lynn Truitt, Bill Kelly, and Bill Betts.

(Above, left): Commission Chairman Ron Marvel swore in William ‘Tucker’Dempsey as the new Delaware State Fire School Director. - Submitted by Warren Jones

Christiana’s Brandon Speakman Honored

On May 4, 2022, Christiana Fire Company hosted a celebration for CareerCaptain Brandon Speakman on the occasion of his 20-year anniversary as an employee of the company. Brandon is the first careeremployee in the history of the department to reach 20 years of service and he was also the first CareerCaptain to be appointed by CFC. Over100 people attended the celebration including Brandon’s family. Captain Speakman is the Commanderof A Platoon and is responsible forotheradministrative duties. Brandon makes many contributions to the success of CFC, but none are more important than his leadership by example and his raw talent as a firefighterand fire officer. We are all proud of Brandon and his accomplishments thus farin his career. - Submitted by Dennis E. Godek

New TowerforElsmere

On March 18, 2022, the Elsmere Fire Company took delivery of theirnew Tower16, a Pierce 100 foot Ascendant. Training will begin shortly and it will be in service in a couple months. - Submitted by Chief Mark Facciolo

DoverAFB Personnel Quarterly Award Winners

Three DoverAFB, Fire and Emergency Services members brought back some hardware fortheir hard work. TSgt Drew Thatcher(left), Mr. Tony Peterson (middle), and MSgt Jarod Jensen were all 436 CES Squadron Quarterly Award Winners. All three have represented our department with pride throughout the local community with their unselfishness and dedication to serving. Great job guys! - Submitted by Howard Smith

Anniversaries forHolloway Terrace

The Holloway Terrace Fire Company celebrated 100 (and 101) years of service to the community, along with the 100th anniversary of the Ladies Auxiliary at a grand banquet held on April 28, 2022, at the Waterfall Grand Ballroom in Claymont, Delaware. With festivities delayed last year by the pandemic, the fire company and ladies auxiliary presented service and honor awards for 2020 and 2021. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres were served prior to an incredible meal, program and party time with the incomparable Funsters.

Fire Chief Mark Willis presented honor awards for: • 2020 for Firefighter Of The Year to every firefighter and EMTwho kept the station safe while also responding to fire alarms and EMS calls during one of the most difficult years anyone can recall. The honorees are Connor Mahoney, Rocky Roche, Mark Willis, Mike Emmell, Dan Brown, Robert Snyder III, Deana Dietrick, Jeremiah Heaps, Tyrin Jackson, Paul Riccio, John Subda, Daniel Santos, Ken Phillips Jr., Steve Schenck, Wm Hinton, Lance Fontello, Ryan Mohr, Melissa MahoneyRoche, Ethan Riccio, Paul Maxwell and Francis Sheridan. • 2020 Jr. Firefighter of the Year: Edward ‘Rocky’Roche • 2020 Fire Chief’s Award: Robert Snyder,

III

• 2021 Firefighter of the Year: Connor Mahoney, who responded to a record breaking number of alarms • 2021 Jr. Firefighter of the Year: Daniel Santos • 2021 Fire Chief’s Award: Deana Dietrick • Chief Willis awarded the title of Fire Police Emeritus to Edwin S. Carlisle and William ‘Bill’Mohr, both posthumously

President Thomas M. ‘Mark’Gott, presented honor and service awards for: • 2020 Member of the Year to Robert Snyder, III • 2021 Member of the Year to Randy A. Roberts • 2021 President’s Award to Deana Dietrick • Special appreciation award to Robert ‘Buzzy’Gallant for serving 22 consecutive years as Financial Secretary • The title of Treasurer Emeritus was bestowed posthumously upon William ‘Bill’ Stevenson. Bill served as the fire company treasurer for 32 consecutive years. The award was accepted by Bill’s wife, Donna Stevenson.

Fire Company members presented with service awards • 20 years of active service and Life Membership: Deana Dietrick, Bill Campbell, Dave Riddell, Bernie Garcia and Ed Roche • 40 years active service: Robert ‘Buzzy”’Gallant, Lance Gallant, Michael Cassetta and Donald ‘Duck’Reed • 50 years active service: Harry Rossiter, Jay Noonan and Ken Sammon (posthumous) • 60+ years of active service • James E. ‘JB’Romano, 63 years • Wayne ‘Chip’Romano, 61 years • Phil Kempista, 60 years • William Maxwell, Sr., 62 years.

Members of the Ladies Auxiliary were presented service awards for 2020 and 2021 by President Debbie Deery.

Five years: Cindy Zappaterrini and Coltin Sligh. 10 years: Jocelyn Deery, Autumn Lawhorn and Maria Sutton. 15 years: Ben Campbell, Rick Sligh, Catherine Smith and Joy Smith. 20 years: Krystina Mahon, Charlotte Arters and MaryLou Kempista. 25 years: Nancy Cochran, Leigh-Ann Adams, Dawn DeFino, Stephanie Goodyear, Catherine Hudson, Nicole Romano and Staci Walls. 30 years: Lisa Sligh, Ronnie Logan, Nicole Morton, Cindy Phipps, Sharon Sutton, Deb Watson and Maggie Zurawski . 40 years: April Rolfe. 45 years: Marge Carlisle, Jackie Gardner and Vickie Snyder. 50 years: Betty Logan, Karen Barlow, Cathy Reese and Patricia Riccio. 55 years: Beverly Blades and Mary ‘Sis’ Maxwell. 60 years: Barbara Rossiter and Barbara Sutton (posthumous).

• Haley Heaps was awarded the Jr. Ladies Auxiliary Member of the Year. • Coltin Sligh was presented with an award for Outstanding Leadership of the Jr. Auxiliary. - Submitted by Randy Roberts, Photos courtesy of Regina Olliver

Clayton Recognition Rewards

FireNews.com Fire News, June 2022, Page 45 CFSI Dinnerin Washington

- Submitted by Pam Ingle

Elsmere Fire Company Reps at CFSI

On April 6 and 7, 2022 Members of the Elsmere Fire Company attended the CFSI conference in Washington, DC. - Submitted by Frank Maule Special Olympics Delaware recognized the Aetna Hose, Hook and LadderCompany at their “Night of Heroes” event held on April 13, 2022, at the Executive Banquet and Conference Center. Robert Coupe, Vice President of Special Olympics Delaware, presented the President of the Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company with an Outstanding Organization Award at the ceremony. Special Olympics Delaware cited Aetna forthe “variety of ways” they have supported Special Olympics. One example provided during the ceremony was the fire company hosting of the annual ReindeerRun at the fire station on Academy Street. The use of Fire Station 9 each yearprovides a warm space forpre and post-race activities. The fire company also commits resources to ensure course safety for the participants, including the use of fire apparatus, medical personnel and fire police to support the race. The commendation from Special Olympics also cited the fire company’s support forthe Special Olympics SummerGames which has included setting up ladderarches forthe annual Torch Run. “Many might not know that ourinvolvement in the community extends beyond responding to fire and medical emergencies,” said Aetna President Dan Seador. “We are humbled by the recognition provided by Special Olympics Delaware and look forward to continuing to support the organization and its mission.” - Submitted by Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company

Special Olympics Delaware Recognizes Fire Company

Delaware Fire Chiefs Assn. News and Notes

The Delaware State Fire Chiefs Association has been busy working to raise money and awareness for training and physical assessments throughout the state. The officers have been meeting virtually, on a regular basis, to discuss budgetary items and developing visions for the future. Our Hands-on Training Committee has also been working over the past several months, to put together a “half way to the Conference” training. This year’s training was held April 2 and 3, 2022, at Dover Downs, where Tactical Advantage, LLC. taught Advanced Vehicle Rescue to over 40 students from across the state.

Another vision we were able to bring to fruition was the development, creation and application of a scholarship program to send six Delaware Fire Service members to the Fire Department Training Network in Indianapolis, Indiana. The FDTN Committee process began in October 2021 and our first six scholarship recipients were selected and attended FTDN “Camp” April 24-26, 2022. We could not have been successful without the officers of the State Fire Chiefs and their support and input, especially our Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer for their guidance and look forward to this program continuing for years to come. Congratulations to our 2022 recipients Chad Knotts and Troy Christiansen of the Dover Fire Department, Hunter Black of the Bridgeville Fire Department, Samuel Goines of the Wilmington Fire Department, and Michael Hemphill and Justin Altemus of the Aetna Fire Department.

Finally, the State Fire Chiefs Association had the opportunity to work with members of the Delaware General Assembly to get their buy-in financially in support of National Training, National Speakers and Physical Assessments for our firefighters statewide. After a lot of great conversation and dedicated support, we submitted a request to the Joint Finance Committee for funding for the coming budget year, for training and physical assessments to continue our efforts moving forward. We have also worked with the State Fire Prevention Commission and the Delaware State Fire School in developing a policy on retrieving funding, as it will be a part of the State Fire Prevention Commissions budget. Aspecial thanks to all the members of the General Assembly, Joint Finance Committee, the Delaware State Fire Prevention Commission and the Delaware State Fire School leadership for their guidance and support throughout this process. As we move forward, the DSFS and the State Chiefs will work together to bring quality training to our State.

The State Fire Chiefs want to remind each and every member of the Delaware Fire Service how important it is to have your health screening or physical assessment on an annual basis. We will continue working with Cardio Kinetics to offer this program throughout the State of Delaware. Please reach out to a State Fire Chiefs Association Officer for more information on how to complete your annual physical assessment. - Submitted by Brian Reeder

Helping the Community

FireNews.com

Fire News, June 2022, Page 47 Christiana Ladies Auxiliary 1922 to 2022

The Ladies Auxiliary of the Christiana Fire Company was organized on February 16, 1922, a few months following the organization of the Christiana Fire Company, at a meeting of 48 Charter members in the home of Dr. and Mrs. Benjamin Peters. Christiana was the third auxiliary in the State of Delaware to organize, preceded by Cranston Heights in 1920 and Elsmere in 1921.

The meeting was called to order by Mr. George Appleby, President of the Christiana Fire Company. The following officers were nominated, elected and installed by President George Appleby: President Mrs. Sadie Appleby; Vice-President Mrs. Effie Thorpe; Treasurer Mrs. May Butler; and Secretary Miss Mary Eastburn.

Through the years the Ladies Auxiliary has played a vital role in raising monies for continued upgrades to the fire house or to purchase new apparatus and to support the men at the scene of alarms with food and refreshments and much more. Some of the events the ladies sponsored were bingo parties, dinners, soup sales, bake sales, merchandise clubs, and they sold greeting cards. But their support did not stop there. The Ladies represented so much within our community as well county and statewide.

The officers and members of the Christiana Fire Company congratulate our Ladies Auxiliary for their dedication, commitment and pride in the company. Their countless hours of service over the years have helped the Christiana Fire Company become one of the most progressive fire companies in the State of Delaware.

We would also like to point out that two of the Christiana Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary PastPresidents have also held the office of Ladies Auxiliary of the Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association as President: Charlotte Bush and Patricia McCall.

In 2022 the 100th Anniversary year for the Ladies the following officers were nominated and elected: President; Mrs. C. Jane Spicer; Vice-President Mrs. Nancy Berry; Treasurer Mrs. Betty Jean Morrison; and Secretary Miss Beverly Huth.

- Submitted by Brian Reeder

RBVFC Awards Night

Rehoboth Beach VolunteerFire Company (RBVFC) held their Annual Banquet at the Convention Centeron April 2, 2022. Members were recognized foraccomplishments forthe past year along with a 50-yearawards to Life MemberBill McManus and Ladies Auxiliary memberDottie Neske. Past TreasurerTed Doyle was given TreasurerEmeritus for25 years of service in that position. Bill McManus was given Fire Police Emeritus forall of his years of service. The President’s Award went to Julie Del Giorno and Amanda Peters and the Fire Chief’s Award was given to Kent Swarts. The Auxiliary presented the Company with a $15,000 check towards the New Aerial Fund. Afantastic turnout of members enjoyed great food by Bethany Blues. - Submitted by Chuck Snyder

NCCVFAMemorial

Ladies Auxiliary of New Castle County VolunteerFirefighters Association 42nd Annual Memorial Service was held on May 11, 2022, at Minquadale Memorial Hall. - Submitted by Regina Olliver

Black Shield and a Donation to RBVFC

Full memberSarah Brasiel was presented with herBlack Shield at the regular meeting of Rehoboth Beach VolunteerFire Company (RBVFC) on April 6, 2022. Congrats Sarah forcompleting all yourrequirements. A$19,000 check was also presented to the RBVFC from Ducks Unlimited forthe Gun Raffle that was held in March. Thank you to them and ourmembers who worked hard at the event. - Submitted by Chuck Snyder

Leading from the Front

Leading from the front, Assistant Chief of CareerServices Jason Hudson of the Seaford VolunteerFire Department makes his way through a daily ambulance check.

- Submitted by Robin Andino

Elsmere Banquet

Photos from the Elsmere Banquet on March 13, 2022. - Submitted by Regina Olliver

AJ Riccio Fundraiser

Abeef-and-beerfundraiserwas held at the Holloway Terrace Fire Company on April 30, 2022, to raise money fora brotherfirefighterAnthony ‘AJ’Riccio aftera life changing event. AJ was escorted by fire trucks to the hall. - Submitted by Regina Olliver

Correction: Last edition Fire News ran a pictorial on page 32. Here is the story that corresponds to that photo collage. The Holloway Terrace Ladies Auxiliary Celebrates 100 Years

The Ladies Auxiliary of the Holloway Terrace Volunteer Fire Company was organized on March 5, 1922. The main purpose of the organization was to help the fire company by raising money. The first meeting was held in the home of Mrs. Isabelle Klabe with 10 charter members. Mrs. Catherine Hardy was elected as the first President. Meetings were held in the homes of members until the fire house was built.

In the early days, very little state or county aid was given to fire companies, so the ladies raised money by selling bonnets, Easter eggs, holding “Pie and Milk” socials, bake sales, soup sales, suppers and “measuring parties.” The ladies sold chances, made quilts, sponsored rug and blanket clubs, held bingo, Strawberry Festivals and Minstrel Shows. In more recent years, the ladies continue to raise funds for the fire company by serving luncheons, and catering wedding receptions and many other special occasions. They provide support for hot coffee and food for firefighters on the fireground for great lengths of time at major incidents.

The Ladies Auxiliary of the New Castle County Volunteer Firefighter’s Association was formed at Holloway Terrace on October 7, 1931, with Mrs. Alice Stevenson from Holloway Terrace elected as the first President of the organization. Three other ladies have gone on to serve as president, Mrs. Bertha Carlisle, Mrs. Barbara Rossiter and Mrs. Karen Barlow. Mrs. Carlisle also served as President of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Delaware Volunteer Firefighter’s Association in 1951, while Mrs. Rossiter served as LADVFAPresident in 2006.

The ladies have provided unparalleled support to the fire company. In the 1920s, while many of the men in the community were in the armed services, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Holloway Terrace Volunteer Fire Company became the first female fire brigade, assisting with firefighting duties while many members were keeping the peace after World War I.

Over the years, the ladies auxiliary has faithfully served the community with projects, such as canvassing for bus service for Holloway Terrace, the installation of street lights, building a park for children, and collections for community flowers for deceased friends. The ladies still hold an annual Christmas Party for the children of the firehouse family. The ladies have taken treats and have provided entertainment to the veterans of Perry Point and served breakfast for the USO. Today’s ladies auxiliary still continues to support our armed services by sending care packages to our members serving our country.

The Holloway Terrace Fire Company is blessed in celebrating 100 years of continued and unwavering partnership with the Ladies Auxiliary.