Trending Topics

Del. firefighter-EMT dies while helping at crash scene

The firefighter had stopped to render aid at an MVC near Georgetown

sussexcountydepartmentofpublicsafety.jpg

Thomas Wilson Berry III.

Sussex County Department of Public Safety/Facebook

By Bill Carey
FireRescue1

GEORGETOWN, Del. — The Delaware State Police confirmed that a volunteer firefighter/EMT died on Aug. 13 after responding to a crash on Route 9 near Georgetown.

According to Sussex County officials, 23-year-old Thomas Wilson Berry III stopped to help a driver after a crash, WBOC reported.

While offering his assistance, FirefighterCloseCalls.com reported that Berry came in contact with downed electrical lines that led to his loss of life; however, official sources have not provided a cause of death.

Sussex County officials described Berry as a “young public servant with a promising career.” Since 2022, he had worked as a logistics technician for the county’s EMS provider and served as a volunteer firefighter/EMT with the Georgetown and Ellendale fire companies, DelawareOnline reported.

“We are beyond heartbroken at this loss of such a dedicated and caring young man who exemplified public service until his last moments on this earth, his selfless act in a moment of need is one that will be long remembered by his friends and colleagues and by all of us at County government,” Sussex County Council President Michael H. Vincent said. “As tragic as this loss of life is, his heroism is something we should all be proud of and thankful for, and we hold his family, co-workers, and all his brothers and sisters in the fire service in our hearts and prayers in this most difficult time.”

Trending
Firefighters say speaking up about lingering danger at the Lachman fire wasn’t their call; a mindset now under scrutiny after the blaze reignited with deadly consequences
A preliminary report says a fire truck crossed LaGuardia’s runway against warning lights, citing late stop calls, missing transponder data and missed chances to prevent the crash that killed both pilots
The Neshannock Township Fire Company marked National Volunteer Week by honoring the men and women who answer the call
Orange County Fire Authority’s USAR team partnered with a therapeutic riding center to learn how to safely handle and rescue large animals during emergencies