Early Saturday morning, Cheswold was alerted to assist Wilmington Fire Department on a collapse as a result of a structure fire that trapped several firefighters.  We responded along with Leipsic and Hartly as the Kent County Special Operations Team.  The firefighters had been removed when we arrived so we assisted with shoring up the structure so the investigation could begin safely.  We were back in quarters about 19 hours after dispatch.

We offer our condolences to the Wilmington Fire Department, the Aetna Hose, Hook, and Ladder Company of Newark (Fickes had been a volunteer there), Talleyville Fire Company (Leach was an active volunteer there, and their families.  We also wish a speedy recovery for Firefighters Ardythe Hope and Brad Speakman who were seriously injured in the fire as well.

For more information or to donate to the families, go to http://www.wilmingtonfirefighters.org/

Plese be careful when making donations.  There may be several organizations claiming to be collecting for the families.  This link takes you to a verified, legitimate fund that has been established.