Seaford came together on Thursday, Aug. 14 to honor State Representative Danny Short with a special day celebrating his decades of service to the community. The ceremony brought together family, friends, former colleagues, firefighters, police, elected officials, and community leaders who shared stories about Short’s commitment to Seaford and western Sussex.

Long-time friend and colleague Mike Vincent said he was hoping the event was a “roast” and spoke about Short’s long history in the fire service, where Short served as an assistant chief before eventually following Vincent as fire chief. 

“I’m a believer that all of us need to give back in some way,” said Vincent. “I can tell you, this man here has done that. Everything you’ve done has been to help somebody else. It’s about doing the right thing for the right reason.” 

Vincent said Short’s service has never been limited to one position or title. His contributions have included the fire service, city council, the mayor’s office, business and his work as a representative in Dover.

Delaware State Representative Tim Dukes opened with a joke about his long-time friend, “I had notes of the things Danny wanted me to say.” Dukes then reflected on the influence Short had on him. “When I thought about running for office, I came and talked to Danny Short, who was already serving as a legislator,” he said. “I think I learned more from Danny Short than anybody in Dover.”

Dukes pointed out his experience in the fire service, city council, the mayor’s office, insurance business, and state government as a combination that has made him a respected legislator. “He is respected by everyone in that building because of the knowledge that he brings,” said Dukes. “To me, the greatest title that I would just say is friend.”

Delaware State Senator Brian Pettyjohn joked that he too was disappointed the celebration was not a roast because there were plenty of stories that could be told about Short. Pettyjohn instead spoke on the many positive contributions Short has made saying, “Everybody’s got something to say about Danny Short, and 99.999993 percent of the time, it’s good.” 

Pettyjohn said Short represents the importance of giving back to the community, “Public service is one way to do that but not just public service in the elected sense; it’s being a responsible business owner that is part of the community; it’s about being part of the fire company and giving back that way. This is a great day to recognize Danny, to thank him for all that he’s done, and to thank him for continuing to do these great things through service in the House of Representatives.

A message from Rob Herrera highlighted Short’s support for economic development in Seaford. The message recalled the opening of Nylon Capital Mill, when Short gave the company’s leader a cowboy hat and encouraged him to wear it while walking around the new facility. Herrera’s messaged thanked Short for supporting the project and believing in the effort to bring the new investment and opportunity to Seaford.

Seaford Mayor Matt MacCoy then read the official proclamation declaring Aug. 14 as Danny Short Day in the city of Seaford. The proclamation recognized Short as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, business owner, firefighter and public servant. The proclamation also noted his service on Seaford City Council, his time as mayor and his years representing the area in the Delaware House of Representatives. It also recognized his commitment to Seaford, Sussex County and the state. Short’s service in the fire department was specifically recognized, including his selection as Delaware’s Heroic Fireman of the Year for saving a life during a swimming accident and his induction into the Delaware Fire Service Firefighters Hall of Fame.

“Some individuals leave a lasting mark on their community, not only through their offices, but through the lives they touch, the example they set and the countless acts of service they perform throughout a lifetime,” the proclamation stated. MacCoy concluded by officially declaring Aug. 14 as Danny Short Day.

In accepting the honor, Short was quick to emphasize that his accomplishments were never the work of one person, “Nothing goes down as an individual effort. Everything that was mentioned today was always a team effort.”

Short thanked the people who helped shape his life, particularly his family and fellow firefighters. Short recalled leaving Seaford after high school with plans to pursue a career in the Coast Guard. When that path did not work out, he returned home and eventually became involved in the fire service. That decision, he said, changed the direction of his life and ultimately led him toward a lifetime of public service. Short shared stories about growing up in Seaford, his father’s influence and the friendships he developed through the fire department.

He thanked his brother from Bloomington, nephew and wife who flew in from California, grandchildren, and daughter April whom with emotion said, “I love you very much.” Short honored his wife Debbie as his most important support saying, “she’s my love of my life,” describing her as someone who has kept him grounded throughout the years. Short spoke of his color blindness and Debbie’s color check before he left the house or said when things were not making him happy.

“I would write a nasty email,” and Debbie would apply the 48 hour rule. “Don’t send that, we’ve got 48 hours. I learned, and then she would edit it for me grammatically.” 

Reflecting on his journey, Short said he believes life takes people down unexpected roads sharing the journey home from the Coast Guard, into the fire service, City Council, the mayor’s office and eventually the Delaware House of Representatives. Throughout that journey, one theme remained constant with Short, service to his community. Short thanked everyone who had played a role in his life, “Without each of you being in my life, I don’t think it would be so fruitful and so rewarding.”