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The Millville Volunteer Fire Company regrets to announce the passing of Life Member, Past Fire Chief, and Past President Roger W. Hitchens.  Roger was a Life Member, compiling 66 plus years of dedicated service to the MVFC.  Roger’s leadership, knowledge, integrity and dedication to the MVFC will be greatly missed.  Our prayers and thoughts are with the Hitchens family at this most difficult time.

The Millville VFC cannot understate the contributions of Roger in the development and growth of the MVFC throughout the years.  Roger was known for his no nonsense and decisive fire ground command presence being one of the best fireground commanders anywhere.  In addition, Roger was a stern but fair leader, and was respected by all that had the privilege to know and work with him.  Roger was a true example of what a fire service leader should strive to be. 

Roger joined the MVFC in August of 1958 and twenty dedicated years later, in August of 1978, became a Lifetime Member of the company.

During Roger’s time at the MVFC, he held almost every conceivable office in the fire company, most notably holding the office of Fire Chief and President.  On the operations side of the company, Roger also held the positions of Fire Chief, Assistant Chief and Engineer for many years.  On the administrative side of the company, Roger held the positions of Director, President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, and Chaplin.  Roger was active on many committees during his time with the MVFC, most notably the Fire Prevention and By-Laws committees.

Roger was part of the first ambulance service that was formed in 1961.  Roger obtained his Ambulance Attendant certification in 1962 and was very active in the MVFC ambulance service for many years.  Roger was the MVFC Ambulance Services’ first Ambulance Lieutenant and later became the Ambulance Captain, an office he held for eleven years. 

In 1970 the MVFC organized a Scuba Team, of which Roger was an inaugural member.  Roger obtained his certification as a diver the same year.  Roger became the Captain of the team and held that trusted position for many years providing the leadership necessary to make the MVFC Scuba Team a respected team throughout the state.

In 1991 Roger was appointed to the State Fire Marshal Advisory Committee by the Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association, a committee he would service on for many years.

In 2004, after 46 years of dedicated service, Roger was presented with the coveted MVFC Lifetime Achievement Award, adding his name to a prestigious list of legendary members that have served the company.

In 2008, the year Roger reached the benchmark of 50 years of service to the MVFC, Roger was presented with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Firefighter of the Year Award.

On February 14^th, 2012, a tragic fire would occur on West Avenue in Ocean View.  As a result of Roger’s heroic actions taken during the fire, Roger would once again receive the MVFC Firefighter of the Year Award.  In addition, the Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association would recognize Roger with the DVFA Meritorious Service Award, for his actions during this tragic event.  The Delaware State Fire Chiefs Association would also present Roger with a Certificate of Merit and commendation bar for his heroic actions.   

The Millville VFC will announce funeral arrangements as soon as they become available.

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