Wilmington Fire Department Honor Guard

02/06/2026

📄PRESS RELEASE📄
PFANJ MOURNS THE TRAGIC LINE OF DUTY DEATH OF VETERAN CAMDEN FIREFIGHTER

🚒 "Today, the city of Camden and the entire state of New Jersey lost a hero. This tragedy is a stark and painful reminder that the dangers of this profession do not only exist within a burning building. Our members put their lives on the line every single day,“ proclaimed Mathew Caliente, PFANJ President. “We are devastated by the loss of Brother [Howard] Bennett who dedicated his life to protecting the residents of Camden. Our hearts, our prayers, and our full support are with his family, his friends, and the members of CFD Local 788 Firefighters Union and Camden Fire Officers Local #2578 during this unimaginably difficult time."

🫂 The PFANJ is working closely with our International Association of Fire Fighters locals to ensure the family and the department have every resource necessary as they navigate this profound loss. Peer support resources have been on the ground in Camden since early afternoon to assist our members who are grieving, and station coverage is being led by departments who make up Camden County IAFF Local 3249 to give our members who were on duty the time to cope with this tragedy.

🔗 Full Press Release: bit.ly/pfanj-bennett-lodd

12/23/2025

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Delaware State Police during this tragic time.

01/12/2025

Thoughts and prayers to our brothers and sisters of Montgomery county MD.

02/17/2024

Thoughts and prayers to Loudoun County Fire and Rescue with their recent LODD.

01/29/2024

The application process for the 43rd Recruit Academy is now open!

Apply today through February 23rd, 2024 at https://wilmingtonde.gov/fireacademy

Questions? Contact the Safety and Training unit at 302-576-3179

01/24/2024

The City of Wilmington will be accepting applications for the Wilmington Fire Department 43rd Recruit Academy on January 29th and will close the process on February 23rd, 2024.

To learn more about the Wilmington Fire Department, you can visit:
Wilmingtondefirecareers.com

To apply when the hiring process opens, you must complete the application at:
Wilmingtonde.gov

07/20/2023

Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters of Memphis Fire during this difficult time.

Today, with a heavy heart, I must share the heartbreaking news that has deeply affected our entire fire family. A devastating incident occurred, resulting in the tragic loss of one of our courageous firefighters in the line of duty and three others injured.

With deep grief, we announce the passing of Lieutenant Jeffrey Norman, a courageous and dedicated member of our team who made the ultimate sacrifice. Jeffrey was a leader and hard worker who took pride in serving his community.

Lieutenant Norman began his career with the Memphis Fire Department on September 23, 2002, and faithfully served for 20 years.

During this unimaginable loss, we extend our condolences to Lieutenant Norman's family, friends, loved ones, and Memphis Fire Department brothers and sisters.

Gina Y. Sweat
Fire Chief

07/06/2023

Sad news out of Newark, NJ this morning. Last night, Newark Fire Department firefighters responded to a transport ship fire. During the course of operations, multiple MAYDAYS were called, with multiple firefighters reported trapped or missing. Multiple resources from New Jersey and New York were called to the scene. All members were accounted for, but unfortunately, two Newark firefighters lost their lives fighting the blaze. A third firefighter is hospitalized with critical injuries.

We send our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and NFD.

06/28/2023

06/28/2023

Our thoughts and prayers with the Naval Air Station Patuxent River with the loss.

NAS Patuxent River Mourns Loss of Firefighter Brice C. Trossbach

PATUXENT RIVER NAVAL AIR STATION, MD – It is with profound sadness that NAS Patuxent River announces the tragic loss of one of our brave firefighters, Brice C. Trossbach, 25, who died in the line of duty while responding to an emergency on June 27. Trossbach made the ultimate sacrifice while responding to a mutual aid call of a structure fire in Leonardtown, Maryland, dedicating his life to protect and serve our community.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Brice's family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” said NAS Patuxent River Commanding Officer Capt. Derrick Kingsley. “We understand that no words can fully alleviate the pain and grief they are experiencing, but we want them to know that our entire NAS Patuxent River family stands beside them, offering our support, love, and prayers. In the face of this tragic loss, we are reminded of the tremendous risks our firefighters face each shift to keep our installation and our community safe. They put their lives on the line without hesitation, demonstrating remarkable bravery and commitment to the well-being of others. We are forever grateful for their service and sacrifice. Brice’s loss is not only felt by us at Pax, but by the greater Southern Maryland community as well.”
Trossbach was a Naval District Washington Fire Fighter at NAS Patuxent River, having joined the department in August of 2019. His commitment to the community was further demonstrated by his additional service as a Volunteer Firefighter with the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department and the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department, which he served with since 2013.
“I’ve known Brice since he was a little kid following his dad to the Leonardtown Fire Station when I was the Chief there, and he always wanted to be a firefighter,” said Gerald Gardiner, Deputy Director of Emergency Services for St. Mary’s County. “To see him come up from that kid, to the man and firefighter he’d become, makes this loss especially hard. His respect for those he helped, the mentorship he provided the younger guys coming up, and the service he gave to the nation and Southern Maryland community will leave a big hole in our hearts.”
We kindly request that the privacy of the Trossbach family be respected during this challenging time of grieving. Information regarding memorial services and other related arrangements will be communicated as soon as they are finalized.