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NCCFCA 2013 Heroic Firefighter of the Year Award
Thursday, July 11, 2013

At the combined monthly meeting of the New Castle County Volunteer Firefighters and Fire Chiefs Associations on July 11, 2013, the Chiefs Association presented their Meritorious and Heroic Firefighter of the Year Awards.

Chief Thomas P. Looney, Deputy Chief Jason L. Stiebel, Captain Timothy Laird of the Talleyville Fire Company, Chief Eric Haley and Assistant Chief Robert Lynch of the Claymont Fire Company were recognized for their Heroic Actions on January 22, 2013 during a working residential fire.

Brandywine Hundred Fire Company Chief Thomas Finocchiaro wrote: “As Fire Chief of Brandywine Hundred Fire Company and the Incident Commander on scene during the residential fire on January 22, 2013, I hereby confirm the written account of the incident as prepared by Chief Eric Haley of the Claymont Fire Company.

I am honored to support Chief Haley’s nomination of Chief Thomas Looney, Deputy Chief Jason Stiebel, Captain Timothy Laird of the Talleyville Fire Company, Assistant Chief Robert Lynch of the Claymont Fire Company for the New Castle County Fire Chiefs Association Heroic Firefighter of the Year Award for 2013. In additions to the above mentioned firefighters, I am also including Chief Eric Haley as part of this nomination.

Chief Eric Haley also demonstrated exceptional lifesaving efforts during this difficult incident and was and essential part in assisting with the rescue of the two firefighters [Kyle Sweetman and Kyle Rice] both which had fallen through a collapsed floor. Chief Haley first assisted Firefighter Sweetman out from the basement, which followed with him returning to the rapidly deteriorating dwelling with the intention of locating and rescuing Firefighter Rice.

All of the officers and firefighters mentioned herein are truly heroes. Each of their actions, dedication to duty and experience truly made the difference in the positive outcome of this incident.

Therefore, on behalf of Chiefs Association President John Rudd and the committee, the New Castle County Fire Chiefs Association are proud to present Chief Thomas Looney, Deputy Chief Jason Stiebel, Captain Timothy Laird of the Talleyville Fire Company, Chief Eric Haley and Assistant Chief Robert Lynch of the Claymont Fire Company, the recognition of the 2013 New Castle County Fire Chiefs Association Heroic Firefighters of the Year.