Supporting Heroes defines line-of-duty death (LODD) as when “an individual’s life is cut short as a direct result of his/her service.”
The following are individuals Delaware firefighters, EMS, and fire police that have passed away while in the line of duty.
(Alphabetical by first name.)
The following are individuals Delaware firefighters, EMS, and fire police that have passed away while in the line of duty.
(Alphabetical by first name.)
Alfred E. Ogden – Cranston Heights
1926
1926
Born: 1904
LODD: 1/16/1926
Burial: Gracelawn Memorial Park, New Castle, Delaware
Fire Company: Cranston Heights
Ogden was seriously injured while responding to a alarm in Marshallton around 11 p.m. on the evening of January 15, 1926. He succumbed to his injuries around 4 a.m. the following morning. Alfred was one of three Cranston Heights firefighters who died when the engine on which they were on, skidded on ice while attempting to make a turn at Foard’s Corner. The engine careened into a tree before it overturned. Ogden was trapped under 1,000 feet of hose that propelled from the truck. Nearby store-keeper Glennwood Sturgis, helped to remove the hose trapping Ogden and then took him to the Delaware Hospital by automobile.
Ardythe Hope – Wilmington Fire Dept.
2016
2016
Born: 10/5/1968
LODD: 12/1/2016
Burial: Private
Fire Company: Wilmington Fire Department
Ogden was seriously injured while responding to a alarm in Marshallton around 11 p.m. on the evening of January 15, 1926. He succumbed to his injuries around 4 a.m. the following morning. Alfred was one of three Cranston Heights firefighters who died when the engine on which they were on, skidded on ice while attempting to make a turn at Foard’s Corner. The engine careened into a tree before it overturned. Ogden was trapped under 1,000 feet of hose that propelled from the truck. Nearby store-keeper Glennwood Sturgis, helped to remove the hose trapping Ogden and then took him to the Delaware Hospital by automobile.
Arnold Blankenship, III – Greenwood
2000
2000
Born: 6/10/1972
LODD: 4/30/2000
Burial: St. Johnstown Cemetery, Greenwood, Delaware
Fire Company: Greenwood
Arnold Blankenship, 27, was the loving husband of Dawn and doting father of 1 year old Zachary. Firefighter Blankenship, a 6 year member of the Greenwood Fire Company, was killed in a flashover during a training exercise that enveloped the attic of the 2 1/2-story farmhouse west of Bridgeville. The temperature in the building soared to about 1,200 degrees, trapping Blankenship. Blankenship was awarded as the Greenwood Fire Company “Fireman of the Year” in 1998.
Patrick W. Dougherty – Water Witch #5,
Wilmington Volunteers
1905
Wilmington Volunteers
1905
Born: Approx 1854
LODD: 3/21/1904
Burial: Cathedral Cemetery, Wilmington, Delaware
Fire Company: Water Witch #5, Wilmington Volunteers
Patrick W. Dougherty was a Fireplug Inspector for the Water Department of the City of Wilmington. He was the drive of a chemical engine for the Water Witch Fire Company, when he was injured during the course of performing his fire duties on one occasion. He never recovered from those injuries and died at his residence at 1810 Gilpin Avenue. He was approximately 50 years of age.
Phillip S. Young – Dover & Smyrna
2005
2005
Born: 12/18/1945
LODD: 8/22/2005
Burial: Delaware Veterans Cemetery, Bear, Delaware
Fire Company: Elsmere, Citizens’ Hose Company of Smyrna, Robbins Hose Company of Dover, The Delaware State Fire School
Firefighter Young had responded to multiple incidents on April 2, 2005. He remained at the fire station due to the approach of a storm, when at approximately 2045 hrs, he was preparing to descend from the 2nd floor to the first floor by fire pole when he slipped, falling 12 feet to the floor below, sustaining serious leg injuries. The wound failed to heal timely and properly. While recovering at home, firefighter Young was discovered with CVA-like symptoms on August 20th and was transported to the hospital, where he died on August 22, 2005.
Phil was born in Wilmington, the son of the late Howard P. & Dr. Vera S. Young. He lived in the Wilmington neighborhood of Westover Hills, attended The Friends School and graduated from Brandywine High School. Phil was a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corp (1966 – 1972), serving in Vietnam where he was awarded with the National Defense Service medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Action ribbons, Vietnamese Service Medal with 3 stars, Vietnamese Campaign Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
Phil was an active member of the Elsmere Fire Company, Citizen’s Hose Company of Smyrna as well as the Robbins Hose Company of Dover. Phil served as a training administrator at the Delaware State Fire School, serving as an instructor (72 – 74) and full time teaching the Emergency Care Program from 1974 until his retirement in August 2002. At Elsmere, Phil served as Engine Captain in 1973 and attained Life Member status in 1990.
At Robbins Hose Company, Phil was very active and served on the Board of Directors and the camera committee. When he wasn’t driving fire trucks, was there to capture the activities of the department and its members through his love of photography. He was a mentor for young members and a brother to all. Mr. Young was one of the first NREMT B’s in the state and served on the State Critical Incident Team. The Delaware State EMS Association Lifetime Achievement Award was named in honor of Phil, who was one of the earliest EMS instructors in Delaware. Phil was also a longtime producer of the annual Delaware Volunteer Firemen’s Association Memorial Services, honoring deceased members at the annual DVFA Conference.
Funeral services for Firefighter Phil Young were held Sunday, August 28, 2005 at the Dover Fire Department, Station 1. Phil was laid to rest with firefighter and military honors at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear, New Castle County, Delaware.
Phil was born in Wilmington, the son of the late Howard P. & Dr. Vera S. Young. He lived in the Wilmington neighborhood of Westover Hills, attended The Friends School and graduated from Brandywine High School. Phil was a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corp (1966 – 1972), serving in Vietnam where he was awarded with the National Defense Service medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Action ribbons, Vietnamese Service Medal with 3 stars, Vietnamese Campaign Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
Phil was an active member of the Elsmere Fire Company, Citizen’s Hose Company of Smyrna as well as the Robbins Hose Company of Dover. Phil served as a training administrator at the Delaware State Fire School, serving as an instructor (72 – 74) and full time teaching the Emergency Care Program from 1974 until his retirement in August 2002. At Elsmere, Phil served as Engine Captain in 1973 and attained Life Member status in 1990.
At Robbins Hose Company, Phil was very active and served on the Board of Directors and the camera committee. When he wasn’t driving fire trucks, was there to capture the activities of the department and its members through his love of photography. He was a mentor for young members and a brother to all. Mr. Young was one of the first NREMT B’s in the state and served on the State Critical Incident Team. The Delaware State EMS Association Lifetime Achievement Award was named in honor of Phil, who was one of the earliest EMS instructors in Delaware. Phil was also a longtime producer of the annual Delaware Volunteer Firemen’s Association Memorial Services, honoring deceased members at the annual DVFA Conference.
Funeral services for Firefighter Phil Young were held Sunday, August 28, 2005 at the Dover Fire Department, Station 1. Phil was laid to rest with firefighter and military honors at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear, New Castle County, Delaware.
Prince A. Mousley, Jr.
1905
1905
Born: 7/10/1939
LODD: 1/6/1998
Burial: Unknown
Fire Company: Wilmington Fire Department
Prince A. Mousley Jr, 58, died of a heart attack after collapsing at the scene of a residential structure fire in the 2800 block of N Washington St. He was revived by firefighters on the scene, but died an hour later in Wilmington Hospital. Mousley had just returned to work after a bout with cancer, where he had lost a lung. He was a 28 year veteran of the Wilmington Fire Department and served in the Delaware Air National Guard.
W. Jack Northman – Laurel
1997
1997
Born: 6/9/1942
LODD: 6/16/1997
Burial: Odd Fellows Cemetery, Laurel, Delaware
Fire Company: Laurel
On the night of June 16, 1996 the Delaware State Fire School was conducting an Air Bag Class at the station, equipment was being cleaned for the Maryland State Convention Parade and plans were being made for the upcoming July 4th celebration. An auto accident was reported north of town on Rt. 13. Jack Northam was doing a repair job to Eng. #1. He walked to the tool box to put tools away before responding. Members entering the station then saw Jack on the floor. He had suffered a fatal heart attack.
Jack served the Laurel Fire Department as President, Vice President, Secretary, Ambulance Captain and Chief Engineer. He was also a Past President of the Sussex County Firemen’s Association. He was the Laurel Fire Department service award recipient in 1992, inducted into the Delmarva Firemen’s Association Hall of Fame in 1998 and inducted into the Firemen’s Historical Foundation Hall of Fame in 1998. Jack’s service to the community extended beyond the fire station, where he served on the Laurel Town Council for 18 years, many of those years as President. He was a member of Hope Masonic Lodge #4 and was a 32nd Degree Mason. Jack was a big man with a big presence and you always knew where you stood with him. He never pulled any punches and was a straight shooter. Jack was 55 years of age.
Jack served the Laurel Fire Department as President, Vice President, Secretary, Ambulance Captain and Chief Engineer. He was also a Past President of the Sussex County Firemen’s Association. He was the Laurel Fire Department service award recipient in 1992, inducted into the Delmarva Firemen’s Association Hall of Fame in 1998 and inducted into the Firemen’s Historical Foundation Hall of Fame in 1998. Jack’s service to the community extended beyond the fire station, where he served on the Laurel Town Council for 18 years, many of those years as President. He was a member of Hope Masonic Lodge #4 and was a 32nd Degree Mason. Jack was a big man with a big presence and you always knew where you stood with him. He never pulled any punches and was a straight shooter. Jack was 55 years of age.
Wayne A. Steele, Jr. – Mill Creek
2001
2001
Born: 9/17/1953
LODD: 9/26/2001
Burial: Silverbrook Cemetery, Wilmington, Delaware
Fire Company: Mill Creek
Wayne Steen was a pillar of his community. He came from a family that served the public for several generations. Wayne joined the Mill Creek Fire Company Explorer Post #921 on October 2, 1967 at the age of 15. It was then that Wayne not only built the foundation of his future, but he developed respect that will outlast his life for the existence of the Mill Creek Fire Company.
When he first became a fireman, it didn’t take his family long to give him the nickname of Go-Spot-Go! When Wayne heard the fire siren alert the community for an incident he would run across his Grandfather’s farm towards the fire station to help the community the same way a dog would run to its owner. Wayne never lost his enthusiasm for helping people; he more than demonstrated that as he climbed the ladder of responsibility.
During his years at the Mill Creek Fire Company Wayne served the Company with Integrity, Respect, Honor and most certainly Valor! He served on the Board of Directors; also, as an Ambulance Lieutenant, Rescue Lieutenant, Assistant Chief and Deputy Chief demonstrating leadership and tenacity in each role. Wayne definitely knew a great deal about responsibility and never hesitated to work hard where his services were needed. He was a natural born leader and contributed not just to this community but to the entire fire service.
He served as a life member of the New Castle County Fire Chiefs Association, Delaware State Fire Chiefs Association (where he served as Secretary), Delaware Valley Fire Chiefs Association and the Eastern division of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. While performing his duties as Deputy Fire Chief on June 12, 1995, Wayne was managing a very stressful scene of a fatal motor vehicle crash. This incident was the most devastating incident the Mill Creek Fire Company has ever responded to. It was at this incident that Wayne suffered a brain aneurism rupture. He battled complications from this injury for many years and lost his battle on September 26th 2001, making Wayne the only Line of Duty Death in the 92-year history of the Mill Creek Fire Company.
Wayne was described as someone who bleeds “Mill Creek-Green” because of how dedicated he was. He was always the first set of boots on the ground and placing himself in harm’s way so others wouldn’t have to. He was one of the greatest people you could know, Wayne loved to teach, mentor and lead by example from the front. As the officer in charge of a unit, Wayne could often be heard by the crew telling his driver “Put the pedal to the metal, we got a job to do!”. Wayne may be fallen, but he shall never be forgotten.
When he first became a fireman, it didn’t take his family long to give him the nickname of Go-Spot-Go! When Wayne heard the fire siren alert the community for an incident he would run across his Grandfather’s farm towards the fire station to help the community the same way a dog would run to its owner. Wayne never lost his enthusiasm for helping people; he more than demonstrated that as he climbed the ladder of responsibility.
During his years at the Mill Creek Fire Company Wayne served the Company with Integrity, Respect, Honor and most certainly Valor! He served on the Board of Directors; also, as an Ambulance Lieutenant, Rescue Lieutenant, Assistant Chief and Deputy Chief demonstrating leadership and tenacity in each role. Wayne definitely knew a great deal about responsibility and never hesitated to work hard where his services were needed. He was a natural born leader and contributed not just to this community but to the entire fire service.
He served as a life member of the New Castle County Fire Chiefs Association, Delaware State Fire Chiefs Association (where he served as Secretary), Delaware Valley Fire Chiefs Association and the Eastern division of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. While performing his duties as Deputy Fire Chief on June 12, 1995, Wayne was managing a very stressful scene of a fatal motor vehicle crash. This incident was the most devastating incident the Mill Creek Fire Company has ever responded to. It was at this incident that Wayne suffered a brain aneurism rupture. He battled complications from this injury for many years and lost his battle on September 26th 2001, making Wayne the only Line of Duty Death in the 92-year history of the Mill Creek Fire Company.
Wayne was described as someone who bleeds “Mill Creek-Green” because of how dedicated he was. He was always the first set of boots on the ground and placing himself in harm’s way so others wouldn’t have to. He was one of the greatest people you could know, Wayne loved to teach, mentor and lead by example from the front. As the officer in charge of a unit, Wayne could often be heard by the crew telling his driver “Put the pedal to the metal, we got a job to do!”. Wayne may be fallen, but he shall never be forgotten.
William H. Webb – South Bowers
1973
1973
Born: Unknown
LODD: 4/22/1973
Burial: Unknown
Fire Company: South Bowers
William H. Webb, died on April 22, 1973 at the age of 53 after suffering a heart attack while dispatching engines to a house fire. Bill was born in Milford and was a farmer all of his life. He was a member of the Thompsonville United Methodist Church, a member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and was the 2nd Vice President of the Delaware Fire Chief’s Association. At the time of his death, he was the sitting President of the South Bowers Fire Company, a position he held for 18 years. Bill was survived by his wife Catherine, sons William J, Francis J and Richard L as well as 6 grandchildren.