Six Seaford Police Officers honored for exceptional efforts during residential fire

presented to six Seaford Police Officers for their exceptional efforts during a residential fire on North Conwell Street, May 11 in Seaford. The presentation was made by Seaford Volunteer Fire Department Chief John “Jack” Wilson, who spoke of the brave acts that involved a rescue. The Seaford police officers, along with Delaware State Troopers, were alerted to two trapped individuals in the rear of the home. As the fire departments from Seaford, Blades, and Laurel battled the blaze and entered the burning building, the officers built up items that they used to reach the second floor.

Five Seaford police officers were awarded the Sussex County Fire Chiefs and Law Enforcement Service Heroic Award. In the photo are Mayor Matt MacCoy, Fire Chief Jack Wilson, Patrolman Krystal Rivera-Cruz, Patrolman Kani Kane, PFC Tyler Kramer, Corporal Michael Mahetta, Senior Corporal Joseph Palm, Police Chief Marshall Kraft, and Vice-Mayor Dan Henderson.

Patrolman Krystal Rivera-Cruz, Senior Corporal Joseph Palm, Corporal Michael Mahetta, Patrolman Kani Kane, and PFC Tyler Kramer were all honored. The one fire victim was lowered by a chair, she was conscious but not alert and was quickly transported by Sussex County paramedics to the hospital. Wilson said her survival is a direct result of the officers’ combined team work. The other male occupant was lowered from the roof and Wilson added, “I hold these officers in high regards and putting service before self in their community.”

In other business presented to city council, Director of Economic Development Trisha Newcomer presented the recommendation of new construction of a new Parks and Recreation office. Newcomer presented in a slideshow the four options that the committee studied to the council members. The current building was built in the early 1980’s and has seen numerous changes over the years along with multiple issues including moisture and water intrusion. The maintenance also included heater and thermostat replacements with current needs of a roof as well as electrical issues. The options included rental space at an approximate ongoing cost of $150,000, renovation of the concession stand at the Jays Nest at a cost of approximately $371,000, renovation of the existing building at a cost of approximately $245,000, and finally to build a new office at $296,000. The council voted for a new building because the possible hidden problems with the current building such as the foundation and logistics of the work flow for the Seaford community. The city had budgeted $500,000 for the project.

The council approved a request by GGA Construction to store materials on the unpaved portion of the Sports Complex parking lot. The company is working on renovations at the Children and Families Seaford House located on Market Street Extended.

Police Chief Marshall Craft provided an update on the recent traffic calming measures on Nylon Boulevard Extended. The installations of stop signs has received positive feedback from the community and Craft noted most of the people feel things are improving. Law enforcement issued 24 citations and currently more patrols were assigned to monitor for school traffic. The average speed increased between the signs by two miles per hour and plans may include to re-deploy the radar box. Craft told council the department will monitor all areas.

Director of Electric Greg Brooke presented a bid for a desk top meter testing station and recommended the purchase be from TESCO, the manufacturer, in the amount of $28,535.27. The equipment will save the city money when pulling meters to test because during the testing time, no charges are being acquired to the customer. The city council approved the purchase.

Additionally, the city approved the purchase of IT and electric vehicles from Preston CDJR of Millsboro in the amount of $110,172.62.

Seaford will have the final Friday Night Live on Friday, Sept. 19 on the grass lot behind city hall beginning at 5 p.m.