Blades Fire Company - Sussex County, Delaware

David L. Ruff was elected the incoming President for the years 1994-1995. Discussion was held on the new generator building, room for storage and much needed office space on the second floor. In May the generator was up and running, it is to be used on large functions to help offset the cost of electricity. During a lighting storm in July, the fire house took a hit and we lost the telephones, door openers, copier and radios. The Ladies Auxiliary will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary this year. Once again plans are being made for the Christmas Party for our families. It was mentions that with the pagers each member has their own alert button to be used for contacting them.

Earl Chaffinch Jr. received the top votes and was re-elected Chief for 1995-1996 term. Election for 1st assistant Chief went through the voting process four times due to there being tie votes with Donnie Trice being elected. Chris Thomas was elected Ambulance Captain. Defensive Driving class was offered to all members. The members were thanked for another successful year with the Haunted Forest. At the December 1995 meeting it was voted on to by our first A.E,D at a cost of $4,500.00.

The Administrative elections for 1996 were held and Wayne Merritt was elected the next President for 1996-1997. Raymond Morris was appointed Chaplin of the Company. Due to a resignation for the office of Chief, President and Ambulance Captain, nominations and elections were held and Wayne Chaffinch was elected again as Chief, President with David L. Ruff being elected and Ronald Kemp was elected as Ambulance Captain. The company at their March meeting decided to purchase two new ambulances from PL Custom for a cost of $202,652.00. Discussion was held on replacing the utility vehicle, committee was to report findings, Seaford Burton made a proposal on a new Chevrolet Suburban at a cost of $30-$33,000.00 and they would replace it free every year. Motion was made and passed to accept offer. The new ambulances were received in September and it was requested to have one of them on display at the DVFA Convention. The Fire Company received a letter from the Seaford School District to be able to use the Fire Hall in case of an emergency at Blades School. The Haunted Forest committee reported that a profit of over $15,000.00 for this year. The Final payment was made on Engine 9.

Nominations and elections were held and Wayne Chaffinch was elected as Chief for the years 1997 and 1998. Ronald Kemp was again elected Ambulance Captain. New fire tag design was approved they will be purchased from Roger’s Sign. It was voted on that the outgoing Fire Chief will be able to keep his Chief’s tag. At the Annual Banquet the Ladies Auxiliary presented the fire company a check for $3,000.00. Renovations has started on the storage room to house the washing machine and air packs. A letter was sent to request a slip at the Marina for Fire Company Emergency use. The variance request to the Town for the new electric outdoor sign was approved. The Town of Blades made an offer of a 1985 Ambulance and a 1981 1200 gallon tanker to the fire company and it was accepted. A friendship picnic was held at Cherry Beach on July 19th with Sharptown Fire Department. Bryan Wright from Blades was the first place fire prevention winner.

Eddie Jester III was elected as President for the 1998 and 1999 term. Portable cell phones were put in each ambulance. Dive gear will be purchased for 8 members at a cost of $1,500.00 each. It was voted on at the August 1998 meeting to not have the Haunted Forest this year. As a fund raiser the company will be looking into having a Car Show and Sporting Clay Tournament. Ron Kemp was voted 2nd Vice President of County Ambulance Association. At the October meeting it was reported that all the divers that were chosen are now certified. New 800 mhz. radios are to be installed soon. Ron Fensick received the Rotary Club award this year. After taking a year off the Haunted Forest was on again.