The large storm moved through New Castle County last evening causing damage within the City of New Castle.  The Good-Will Fire Company handled 15 incidents involving downed wires and fallen trees. A tree was up-rooted at 2nd & Harmony Streets and came crashing down on a parked car.

On Friday, June 20, 2008, (0444 hours) the Good-Will Fire Company was dispatched to a report of a motor vehicle crash on River Road just north of Federal School Lane. A-18 arrived to find a two-vehicle crash involving a small car and a full-size pick up truck. A-18 reported that the driver of the car was trapped and New Castle County Paramedics and the Delaware State Police helicopter were added to the response. The trapped driver was treated by the crew of A-18 and Medic 2C. Upon extrication, the patient was transferred to Trooper 4 and transported to Christiana Hospital in critical condition. Responding units: A-18, R-18, R-28, A-32, M2C, ALS 19, ALS 29, Trooper 4, Delaware State Police, Delaware State Fire Police, DelDot.

Tonight Station 18 went to the New Castle burn building to sharpen up thier skills and help some of the new probies in learning different fire tactics. We practiced several evolutions on fire suppression, search and rescue. A special thanks goes out to the instructors Joe Dawson & George Whitehead & the Instructors Aides. TLGG :)

On April 2, 2008, while the monthly company meeting was in session (1907 hours), the Good-Will Fire Company was dispatched to a motor vehicle crash with a report of a vehicle into the structure at 610 W. 11th Street, Washington Square. The fire department arrived on scene at 19:12hrs and found a vehicle wedged into one of the bottom floor apartments of the structure. Crews checked the structure and removed any hazards from the vehicle. The operator of the motor vehicle was transported to Christiana Hospital with minor injuries. The scene was placed under control at 19:23hours and turned over to New Castle City Police Department.

On March 28, 2008, the Good-Will Fire Company responded to a report of motor vehicle into the building at the Cumberland Farms store on Wilmington Road. Fire department personnel arrived on scene to find the operator of the vehicle had crashed through the front window of the store, causing considerable damage. There were no reports of any injuries.

On 03/03/2008 at 1522 hours, Stations 18, 20, 22, 28 and 32 were dispatched for an unknown type fire at a commercial structure facility in the unit block of Boulden Circle. While Engine 18-3 was responding, the NCC Fireboard reported a dumpster fire next to the building. Safety 18 (Keith Przybylski) arrived on scene with conditions as reported; however, the dumpster had been pulled away from building. The crew from 18-3 extinguished the fire, while crews from Squirt 20 and Ladder 28 checked building and started ventilating the facility. Moderate damage was noted to facilities garage door and a box truck that was parked nearby. The fire was being investigated by the State of Delaware Fire Marshal’s Office. Fire department apparatus cleared at 1640 hours.

On 02/19/2008 at 1532hrs, the Good-Will Fire Company was dispatched to assist the Christiana Fire Company with a working house fire in 200 Block of West Beaver Court, Pheasant Lake Townhouses. Rescue 18 responded for the RIT (Rapid Intervention Team) assignment with crew of five (5) led by Captain Ryan Kachmar. Rescue 18 cleared at 1647hrs.

At 2120 hours on 02/18/2008, Station 18 along with NCC EMS Medic 2 was dispatched for a pedestrian struck on Frenchtown Road in the area of the Quigley Farm. EMS crews arrived on scene to find an unresponsive victim lying underneath of a guardrail on the side of the road. Rescue 18 arrived on scene and assisted with the packaging of the patient. The victim was transported to Christiana ER with serious injuries. Rescue 18 remained on scene to assist the New Castle City Police Department with lights until clearing at 2238 hours.

On 02/10/2008 at 1925hrs, the Good-Will Fire Company was dispatched to assist the Christiana Fire Company with a working building fire in 800 Block of Bedford Lane, Appleby Apartments. The crew of Ladder 18 was tasked with securing the balcony of the fire apartment and checking for extension of the fire. The crew of the engine assisted with overhaul and wrap-up operations. All GWFC units cleared the fire grounds at 2238 hours.

On November 21, 2007, at 6:57 a.m., Good-Will Fire Company of New Castle was dispatched to a building fire located at 202 Delaware Street in Old New Castle. Immediately after the dispatch, New Castle County Paramedic Assistant Chief Richard Krett, also president of the Good-Will Fire Company, was on scene with smoke showing from the rear of the structure. The first arriving engine (18-2) found a well developed fire in the basement of the three story triplex in the center of town. FF/EMT's Ben Oyerly and Tim Moore made entry into the structure and advanced a hose line to the basement. The encountered extreme heat conditions with zero visibility. The fire was able to advance to the first floor business and there was heavy smoke damage to the six apartments located on the second and third floors. According to Good-Will Fire Chief Joseph Vannucci, of the approximately seven people who live in the building, four were home. The four residents home were alerted by the buildings fire alarm system and were able to evacuate the building prior to the arrival of the fire units. Chief Vannucci stated that as Good-Will firefighters search the building to confirm that there were not any trapped residents, they were able to locate a cat who was rescued and turned over to New Castle County Paramedics for treatment. Chief Vannucci also reported that due to the heat build up in the basement from the fire; one firefighter was evaluated on scene for heat exhaustion. Thankfully, there was no need to transport him for any further treatment. The cause and origin of the fire is under investigation by the Delaware State Fire Marshall’s office. Good-Will was assisted by Holloway Terrace Fire Company, Minquadale Fire Company, Delaware City Fire Company, Five Points Fire Company, Wilmington Manor Fire Company, Christiana Fire Company, Brandywine Hundred Fire Company, Belvedere Fire Company and New Castle County Paramedics.

2007 Fire Prevention Poster & Essay Contest Winners WINNERS: Dylan Quinn, James Dietz, Rebecca Parker, Stephanie Vander Meulen, Nickolas Weyant, Elizabeth Kukulich, Taylor Jacobs, Sierra Santiago, Sophie Platt, Meghan Salter, Nichole Czechowicz, Peyton Browning, Devin O'Reilly, Sarah Santore, Julia Pinero, Sara McVey, Emma Steele, Paul Boudart, Anthony Mancini, Kelsey Wierzbicki, William Krienen, Kyle Hiner, Emily Deater, David Walker, Megan Dempsey, Andrew Salter.

On Saturday, October 27th, the Good Will Fire Company held its annual open house event. The day was filled with exhibits, children’s activities and many safety demonstrations. The GWFC even shuttled participants to the Library Museum to see the company’s 100th Anniversary display. The Good Will Fire Company would like to thank all of our partner public safety agencies for volunteering their time to showcase their services.

On Saturday, October 27, 2007, the Good Will Fire Company will hold their annual Open House event. This event is open to the public and showcases the emergency services provided to the citizens of New Castle and surrounding areas. Please stop by and take part in this worthwhile event.

On September 4, 2007, the Good Will Fire Company was the subject of a feature article in the News Journal paper. You can see the complete coverage by opening this story and utilizing the link to see a host of news articles and pictures. The GWFC would like to thank the News Journal for their coverage.