News

On May 20, 2014, at 9:05 a.m., the Millville Volunteer Fire Company responded to a residential automatic fire alarm in the 200 Block of Pond View Drive in the Salt Pond development. The responders arrived to a residence in which a pan was cooking on the stove and the contents were starting to burn. There was no damage to the home. Millville Volunteer Firefighters used a positive pressure fan to clear the dwelling of the smoke. The residents were nearby outside the house, but were unaware their alarm system was activated. Millville Volunteer Fire Chief would like to remind everyone to always monitor your cooking both inside the house,as well as when grilling outside. Fortunately, no one was injured and there was no damage done to the house. Chief Scott declared the situation under control at 9:28 a.m. "DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS PROUDLY SERVING OUR COMMUNITY!

Spring Weather Preparedness

On Friday, April 18 at 9:22 p.m., the Millville Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched to a motor vehicle accident at 155 Central Avenue with a car reported in a house. The firefighters and ambulance personnel arrived to a single vehicle accident in which the operator of the vehicle failed to stop at an intersection, proceeded into a side yard impacting the left side of the dwelling, and then came to a stop after hitting a tree in the yard. The operator of the vehicle was the sole occupant and refused medical treatment. Fire Chief Doug Scott declared the situation under control at 9:41 p.m. and turned the scene over to the Ocean View Police. “DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS PROUDLY SERVING OUR COMMUNITY”

On Tuesday, April 15, 2014, Ocean View Mayor Gordon Wood presented a $70,000 check to Millville Volunteer Fire Company Chief Doug Scott at the fire company's regularly scheduled meeting night. This grant money comes from the Town of Ocean View's Emergency Enhancement Fund. Mayor Wood was proud to announce that the town of Ocean View has awarded $280,000 over the past seven years to the Millville Volunteer Fire Company, which has been a real plus in helping the Company purchase equipment that helps in protecting the people in the community, as well as the emergency personnel as they respond to an emergency. Chief Scott outlined what the grant money will provide this year, which are all items that will enhance Firefighter Safety and improve the service the fire company provides: • $33,650 for 15 sets of Turn-Out Gear (15 sets of coats, pants & boots) • $24,500 for 90 Self Contained Breathing Apparatus Facepieces/Masks • $11,850 for a Fit Test Machine to insure properly fitting facepieces, which is an annual requirement by OSHA. The membership expressed their appreciation by providing Mayor Wood with a standing ovation. In a follow-up visit to the Ocean View Town Council on April 22nd by Millville Volunteer Company President Clarke Droney, Fire Chief Doug Scott, EMS Chief John Watson, and PIO Bob Powell, plaques were presented to retiring Mayor Gordon Wood for his generous time and support over the past six years while serving as Mayor of the town of Ocean View, and to the town Council for their many years of dedication, devotion and commitment in supporting the Millville Volunteer Fire Company. “DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS PROUDLY SERVING OUR COMMUNITY”

On Sunday, April 6 at 1:23 p.m., the Millville and Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Companies were dispatched to a vehicle fire in the 30000 Block of Track Lane. The firefighters and ambulance crew arrived to a travel trailer on fire. The occupant was already safely out of the trailer with no injuries. Assistant Chief Cody Lockwood ordered a 1-¾ inch line put into service from Engine 84-1 to extinguish the blaze. The fire was declared under control at 1:34 p.m. Assistant Chief Lockwood turned the fire scene over to the Delaware State Fire Marshal's office for investigation. “DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS PROUDLY SERVING OUR COMMUNITY”

On March 8, 2014, the Social Committee of the Bay Forest Community Club homeowners organized its second annual "Bay Forest Community Chili Cook-Off Competition" to benefit the Millville Volunteer Fire Company. There were over 70 volunteers and an estimated 273 people in attendance. Two 50-50's and a silent auction containing numerous items were part of the fund raising festivities. There were over 20 "Chefs" featuring their own secret chili recipes with each one hoping to walk away with the fame of being crowned the best "Chili Chef". The members of the Millville Volunteer Fire Company wish to thank all of the Bay Forest homeowners and their families who supported the Chili Cook-Off Benefit. A special thanks goes out to the following homeowners who comprise the Bay Forest Social Committee: Tom & Terry O'Brien, Liz & Gene Speicher, Mike & Georgie Jeffers, Janet Dunsmuir, Sue Bear, Jack Beall, Mike Gilesse & Pat Kirby. The Bay Forest Community Club Social Committee is conducting this annual fundraising event as a token of their appreciation for the service the members of the Millville Volunteer Fire Company provides to the residents in its fire district. At the March 18, 2014 Millville Volunteer Fire Company meeting night, Bay Forest Community Club Social Committee Treasurer Gene Speicher and his wife Liz made a special visit to the fire company to finalize the results of their March 8 Chili Cook-Off fundraiser. Mr. Speicher expressed how grateful their community is for the dedication and service the members of the Millville Volunteer Fire Company provide to all of the residents it serves in its fire district throughout the year. The Speicher's then presented a check in the amount of $3,378 to President Clarke Droney and Financial Secretary Michelle Steffens. This brought the total amount raised by the Bay Forest Community Club homeowners to $4,745 for the 2014 event. Coupled with the proceeds of the 2013 Chili Cook-Off fundraiser, the Bay Forest Community Club homeowners have raised slightly over $7,800 in two years for the Millville Volunteer Fire Company. "On behalf of the Millville Volunteer Fire Company, President Clarke Droney issues a hearty 'Thank You!' to everyone in the Bay Forest community." "DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS PROUDLY SERVING OUR COMMUNITY"

On Sunday, March 16 at 4:13 p.m., the Millville and Roxana Volunteer Fire Companies, Sussex County Paramedics, and Delaware State Police medical helicopter Trooper 2 were dispatched to a motor vehicle accident with entrapment at the intersection of Powell Farm and Roxana Roads. The ambulance crews and firefighters arrived to a two-vehicle accident involving a Toyota Prius and Ford Pickup. The operator of the pickup was out of his vehicle and not injured. The driver of the Prius was trapped with mechanical extrication necessary to free the individual from the vehicle. Emergency personnel were able to open the passenger side door on their own to access the patient and begin treatment for his injuries. The operator of the Prius was transported by the Delaware State Police medical helicopter Trooper 2 to the Christiana Medical Center. Unfortunately, the passenger in the Prius did not survive the accident and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Medical Examiner. Assistant Chief Cody Lockwood declared the scene under control at 4:39 p.m. The accident scene was turned over to the Delaware State Police for investigation. “DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS PROUDLY SERVING OUR COMMUNITY”

Millville Ladies Auxiliary is taking orders for Easter candy.

On Tuesday March 11 at 9:03 a.m., the Millville Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched to a motor vehicle accident on Cedar Neck Road north of Fred Hudson Road. The firefighters and ambulance personnel arrived to a single vehicle accident. A Chrysler Sebring was traveling south on Cedar Neck Road when the operator ran off the left side of the road impacting a utility pole. Millville ambulance personnel provided initial treatment to the driver and an adolescent male passenger at the scene. Both occupants were transported to the Beebe Medical Center in Lewes for additional evaluation and treatment for nonlife threatening injuries by ambulance C-84. Rescue Lieutenant Nick McLaughlin turned the accident scene over to the Ocean View Police for investigation. The Delmarva Power Company was dispatched to replace the broken utility pole. “DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS PROUDLY SERVING OUR COMMUNITY”

At 6:42 a.m. on Saturday, March 8, the Millville, Bethany Beach and Roxana Volunteer Fire Companies, and the Sussex County Paramedics were dispatched to a structure fire in the 100 Block of Central Avenue in Ocean View. The responders arrived to a fire in the kitchen from a microwave oven. The fire was quickly extinguished with damage being confined to the appliance and kitchen area. Assistant Chief Cody Lockwood declared the situation under control at 6:56 a.m. “DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS PROUDLY SERVING OUR COMMUNITY”

Millville Volunteer Firefighters Ready During Storm… On Sunday Night March 2nd Doug Scott, Fire Chief of the Millville Volunteer Fire Company, sent a message out requesting members to staff both the main station in Millville, as well as the company’s other station in Clarksville, on Monday March 3rd during the impending winter storm. “Normally our members respond from home or their job during alarms,” said Chief Scott, a veteran of the Millville Fire Company since 1978. “But with the severity predicted, we wanted as many members in place at both firehouses prior to an alarm. We know snow and ice on the roads leads to delayed responses from our members from both homes and jobs, as well as the conditions slow the response of the fire and EMS units,” Scott went on to say further. The members of the Millville Fire Company answered the call as they do so many times with increasing frequency. “We had 30 members starting at 7:00 AM on Monday who staffed several of the units that would respond to varying types of emergencies,” Chief Scott indicated. Millville also increased staffing of its career personnel to ensure rapid emergency medical response from both the main station, as well as the Clarksville Station. During the worst of the storm, which lasted till early evening, the Millville Fire Company responded to 6 alarms. There were no significant events in the Millville Fire District. The Engine from the Millville station did respond to Roxanna to assist on a motor vehicle accident. During breaks between calls, members at both stations participated in drills for both fire and EMS skills. As the storm began to subside in the early evening, some members left for their homes, as well as jobs. About 8 members stayed in the overnight hours between both stations to continue to ensure a timely response for calls for service. “This storm also gave us a chance to begin utilizing some Incident Management concepts in regards to personnel and cost tracking,” according to Chief Scott. “Incident Action Plans, personnel tracking, as well as cost tracking are critical during large scale, or wide area impact events like Superstorm Sandy,” Chief Scott said. “I am thankful to both our community for the support they have shown us over the years, as well as the members and career staff of the Millville Fire Company for their hard work and continued dedication to fulfilling our mission to provide EMS and fire protection to the residents, businesses, and visitors of the Millville and surrounding areas,” Chief Scott went on to say. "Dedicated Volunteers Proudly Serving Our Community"

On Wednesday, March 5, 2014, members of the Millville Volunteer Fire Company signed a contract with Will Black, the Excellance ambulance sales rep for Patriot Fire, to purchase two new Freightliner ambulances. These ambulances will replace two older models that were purchased in 2003 and 2005. Millville's EMS Chief John Watson stated the ambulances being replaced collectively have 433,000 miles on them and are generating high maintenance bills due to the wear and tear of everyday use. Over the past three years, the Millville Volunteer Fire Company has responded to over 4,800 medical emergencies with its ambulances. The expected delivery date will be sometime in early July 2014. EMS Chief Watson stated the Excellance ambulances have excellent safety components built-in to protect the patient, as well as the EMS personnel, which was a major factor in selecting this company. Pictured from left to right are: Denis McMahon, MVFCo Secretary; Will Black, Excellance Sales Rep; Clarke Droney, MVFCo President; & MVFCo EMS Chief John Watson. "Dedicated Volunteers Proudly Serving Our Community"