On October 20, 2018, the Delaware Firefighter’s Memorial was officially dedicated and the third try was the charm. Twice before, attempts had been made but the weather refused to cooperate. Lifting high above the overcast skies was a large American flag held in place by the tower ladder of the Lewes Fire Department and the tiller ladder of the Aetna Hose Hook and Ladder Company of Newark. The morning dedication was started with the single bagpipe playing “343 – The Fallen” which brought the attendees to their seats. After the invocation by DVFA Chaplain Blake Bowers, DVFA President Bill Betts welcomed everyone and gave a brief history of the original monument and its final stop at this new place. DVFA Executive Manager Warren Jones, introduced the guests who were in attendance as well the families of the firefighters who names were being unveiled. Also introduced were the families of the past firefighters whose names were already enshrined on the original monument.
Next was the dedication of the Firefighter’s Memorial with a presentation of a wreath by DVFA President Betts, 1st Vice-President Jay Jones and 2nd Vice-President Dan Carrier. The Dover Fire Department Pipes and Drums then played “Going Home.” The Executive Manager offered the following: “In this dedication we pay homage to those men and women whose names are engraved on these walls. They gave their lives in a service of which they were proud, a service which they loved and enjoyed and one where bonding, dedication and a passion to help others are its attributes. Let us never, never, forget these names.”
Then it was time to unveil the names of the four firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2016. First was the family of Lewes Fire Department Firefighter Timothy McClanahan. Tim’s name was unveiled by his mother, father and brother, Sean, who carried on in Tim’s footsteps and became a firefighter with Lewes. The next unveiling was Wilmington Fire Captain Christopher Leach, whose name was unveiled by his wife, Fran and the command staff of the Wilmington Fire Department. The next unveiling was Wilmington Fire Lieutenant Jerry Fickes, whose name was unveiled by his wife Laura and his son Ben, as well as the Wilmington command staff. Lastly the name of Wilmington Fire Lieutenant, Ardtyhe Hope, whose name was unveiled by the Wilmington command staff. Executive Manager Warren Jones read the following statement: “We unveiled these names and dedicate this hallowed ground where families, friends and all people can come visit and reflect on all the names inscribed on this granite.”
The ceremony was closed with the bag pipes playing “Amazing Grace” and the benediction by Chaplain Bowers.
