The Swoope Volunteer Fire Company sent four representatives to Delaware for the funeral and memorial services for Wilmington Firefighters Lieutenant Chris Leach and Senior Firefighter Jerry Fickes, both who were tragically killed in the Line of Duty on September 24, 2016 while operating inside of a row home on fire.

Captain Ryan Folweiler, Sergeant Kendall Cline, Firefighter/EMT Gary Gibson, and Firefighter Courtney LaMay acted as ambassadors from Swoope Volunteer Fire Company as they paid their respects to the fallen firefighters, family and friends.

The Swoope crew was housed at our 'sister station,' the Mill Creek Fire Company in Wilmington, Delaware, under the leadership of Fire Chief Joe Stewart. The Swoope crew rode along with Mill Creek during their short stay and on their return home to Virginia, crews were dispatched to a Motor Vehicle Accident with injuries that ended up being an automobile fire. The incident took place October 1, 2016 just before midnight at Delaware Route 4 and Route 7, near Delaware Park Racetrack.

The incident was quickly placed under control by Fire Chief Joe Stewart (21-8) and crews made themselves available.

The Swoope Volunteer Fire Company would like to thank Fire Chief Joe Stewart and the Mill Creek Fire Company for your ongoing hospitality and friendship.