July 1st, 2009 the Deputy Chief (Joey Dierolf), 1st Assistant (Jason Elliott), and Fire Captain (Rob Harvey Jr.) held a training class that started at 1900 hours and lasted about 2 hours. It was a hands on training class pertaining to the station's new portable pumps. Thanks to all those who came out, it was a great turn out!

On 6/26/09 Station 23 was alerted to N. James Street/W. Justis Street located at the intersection right outside the station for a Pole/Wires down. DP&L were notified as well as fire police who responded from 23, 30, & 16. B17 was also alerted to this incident but cancelled per 238B due to no cars nor injured person(s). This incident caused major traffic delays for many hours.

While on scene with pole/wires down station 23 was then alerted to an MVC involving a motorcycle on I295 EB/ I95NB where A23 transported one patient to Christiana Hospital.

Station 23 was alerted to respond to the 7-11 in Newport where car had crashed through the front doors  of the business. The Scene was placed under control by 23-8 (Chief P. Young) and turned over to Newport Police for further investigation.

Photo's courtesy of Security Instrument Corp.

Come out and join us on our first crab feast on Aug.8, 2009 from 7pm until 1am. All you can eat from 7pm until 9pm. Menu includes crabs, chicken, corn on the cob, cole slaw, and french fries. included also will be draft beer, wine and soda. price $30.00 per person cash bar for liquor and bottled beer. Entertainment by DJ Campbell. Get your tickets while they last over 100 tickets sold. Must be 21 yrs old . call 302-998-1178 ask for Priscilla Truax or Bubba

Come out and enjoy a night a dancing every Tueday night unless noted at the class. Learn all kinds of old school and soul dance steps. Rockin rudy spinning the records as teacher Joanne McMahon goes step by step on a few dances then dance the rest of the time you are there. Doors open at 6:30pm and go until 9:00pm. Admission is $5.00 dollars. Light food is provided and cash bar for all drinks.

Minquas Fire Company in Newport, Delaware is hosting a paintball event in conjunction with Outdoor Adventures in Chesapeake City (www.oachesapeakecity.com) to benefit Michelle Smiths daughter.

On December 20th 2008, Delaware City Volunteer Fire Company ambulance A15 relocated to Wilmington Manor Fire Company for an all night ambulance cover. That evening seemed pretty normal with a only a couple of calls. Around 10:00 pm; Services was alerted to a motor vehicle crash involving a motorcycle. Delaware City Firefighter and soon to be Emergency Medical Technician Michelle Smith (driving A15 with crew on board) began treating the downed motorcycle operator when she was struck by a vehicle that just seconds before struck an onsite police vehicle. The driver fled the scene.

Firefighter Michelle Smith died two days later at Christiana Hospital. The driver who fled the scene was caught.

On January 5th 2009, Firefighter Michelle Smith was honored by literally thousands of uniformed Police Officers, paramedics and firefighters from around the region. Hundreds of emergency vehicles and apparatus including the Delaware State Police helicopter and the Wilmington Fire Dept Fire Boat participated with a procession that stretched for at least five miles. Michelle left behind many who loved her and cared for her along with those whom she had helped throughout her short life. Michelle also left behind her loving eleven-year-old daughter.

On April 4th 2009 Outdoor Adventures Chesapeake City Paintball Park along with Police Officers, Paramedics, Firefighters,  Emergency dispatchers friends and families from Delaware and its neighboring States are scheduling a Benefit Paintball Challenge for Michelle’s daughter. All proceeds will go directly to a trust fund for Michelle’s daughter.

Tonight at our monthly meeting, The officers and members invited Savannah Horne to attend to recieve an award. Savannah placed secong place among all 5th graders in the State of Delaware for an essay she wrote for the Fire Prevention Essay contest. Minquas awarded her a plaque along with a gift card. Savannahs Parents, sister and school principle was also in attendance. The officers and members are very proud of Savannah.

The Members & Officers of the Minquas Fire Company would like to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday this season. Merry Christmas!

The Officers and Members of Minquas Fire Co would like to congratulate Ms. Savanna Horne for finishing first place among all 5th graders in New Castle County for her essay in the Fire Prevention Poster/Essay contest for 2008. Savanna is now competing against all first place winners in her age group in the state of Delaware. Savanna, who is a student at St. Matthews School, wrote an essay entitled “Fire Safety in the Kitchen.” This is not the first time Savanna has won a prize in this competition. Two years ago, Savanna placed 3rd among all 3rd graders. The officers and members of Minquas are very proud of Savanna and wish her the best of luck in the state competition. Awards for the state level will be awarded on December 14th.

Just past 2000 hrs Asst. Chief Joe Dierolf noticed a possible fire in the canape area over the main entry way to the hall. A/C Dierolf quickly notified members inside the station and call the New Castle County Fire board of the incident.  The box assignment was struck for a commercial structure fire at station 23 which brought in companies 17, 30, 14 and 16.  Upon further investigation fire was found to be in a light fixture on the ceiling of the canape.  A/C Dierolf assumed "Newport" Command and crew members from E-232 and Rescue 23 opened up the ceiling area to check for any fire extention. Command then advised that all incoming units to stage on W. Justis St in front of the fire station.  At that time, Chief Mike Saggione pulled on scene and started assisting crew members in checking for any extention.

Command placed the incident under control at 2035 hrs, one 1 3/4" hand line was stretched and the fire was contained to the light fixture.

**Pictures pending**

The Minquas Fire Company has recently donated 30 sets of used turn-out gear to the Swoope Volunteer Fire Company in Augusta County Virgina.  Asst. Chief Joe Dierolf met with Asst. Chief Kevin Wilkes of the Swoope F.C. and another firefighter to pick up the gear.  All gear was released to the Swoope V.F.C. we at the Minquas Fire Company wish you all the best of luck! 

Minquas has received permission from the Harvey Hanna Corp. to use a property on W. Market St. for training. Dates are still unknown at this time due to the removal of some asbestos in the building.  Please contact the training officer (Deputy Chief Young) if there is any special type of training class that you would like to see take place. Any and all are welcomed companies that would like to use the property please contact Chief Saggione or Deputy Chief Young.

Note: That there will be no live fires on this property at anytime.

The officer’s & Member of the Minquas Fire Co would like to thank Honey Brook Fire Co. (Station 33 Chester County PA) and their crew for covering our station during the annual Delaware Firefighter Convention.

For further pictures or details please visit our fellow Firefighters at www. honeybrookfire.org