MILLVILLE, Del. — The cases involving two former Millville Volunteer Fire Company members accused of harassing a fellow firefighter in 2024 have reached their conclusions. The incident also prompted policy changes within the department.
Jay Droney was sentenced on July 27 to one year of Level 3 probation on each of two harassment convictions and ordered to perform community service, WDEL reported. He is also barred from contacting the victim or the fire company.
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Jordan Hastings pleaded guilty several months ago to third-degree conspiracy and harassment in connection with the case.
The cases stemmed from allegations that Droney and Hastings chased a Black firefighter with a rope tied into a noose in February 2024. Delaware State Police later charged both men with felony hate crimes.
According to court documents, the allegations surfaced April 9, 2024, prompting an internal investigation. The fire company permanently revoked Droney’s and Hastings’ memberships the next day.
The department also added anti-harassment, anti-discrimination and sexual harassment training and gave its board greater authority to address serious misconduct more quickly.
Fire department leaders also participated in a community town hall organized by the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice following the incident.
