PROCLAMATION Office of the County Executive of New Castle County
Be it hereby known to all that The Honorable Thomas P. Gordon, New Castle County Executive, recognizes the valiant efforts of Chief Thomas Looney, Deputy Chief Jason Stiebel, Captain Timothy Laird, and Firefighter Robert Lynch for their tireless commitment and heroic sacrifice in removing firefighters Kyle Sweetman and Kyle Rice from entrapment in a fire.
WHEREAS, New Castle County 911 Center received a report of a house on fire on Tuesday January 22, 2013 at 14:34 hours, resulting in the initial dispatch of Brandywine Hundred Fire Co, Talleyville Fire Co, and Claymont Fire Co. to 4638 Weldin Road, Liftwood Estates.
WHEREAS, upon fire apparatus arrival, firefighting operations began and crews were assigned to interior search and rescue as well as interior fire attack; and
WHEREAS, A “MAYDAY” was declared as firefighter Sweetman fell into a hole created by a first floor collapse and was hanging onto the hose while sliding further down, being held by firefighter Lynch and Captain Laird with Chief Looney holding onto both of them Deputy Chief Stiebel, maintained a hose line holding back flames and cooling the room; and
WHEREAS, moments later firefighter Rice fell into the basement when the kitchen floor collapsed from under him becoming entangled and disoriented; and
WHEREAS, both firefighters Sweetman and Rice were successfully removed from certain peril, receiving only minor injuries; and
WHEREAS, firefighters and other public servants risk their lives and sacrifice every day for the safety and well-being of their communities, often going unnoticed for their bravery and heroic work; and
WHEREAS, Chief Looney, Deputy Chief Stiebel, Captain Laird, and Firefighter Lynch deserve recognition for their “Heroic” efforts and dedicated commitment to service for others and saving lives;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by New Castle County Executive Thomas P. Gordon: The Executive Office recognizes and commends the exemplary efforts of, Chief Thomas Looney, Deputy Chief Jason Stiebel, Captain Timothy Laird, and Firefighter Robert Lynch, and extends its sincere appreciation for their immediate and life-saving acts that helped to save the lives of Firefighters Kyle Sweetman and Kyle Rice.
PRESENTED on this 11th day of April 2013 by order of the County Executive
SIGNED Thomas P. Gordon