Lewes, Del. – A community town hall held Wednesday night at the Lewes Library brought together local leaders, advocates, and concerned citizens to address recent hate-related incidents involving the Millville Volunteer Fire Company. The meeting was organized by the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice in response to felony charges against two former Millville volunteer firefighters accused of chasing a colleague with a rope shaped like a noose earlier this year. The Millville Volunteer Fire Company reported launching an internal review and has since expelled the two individuals from the organization. Company officials say they’ve worked with legal counsel and experts to implement new internal policies and now require all members to complete anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training.
Representatives from the fire company, along with leaders from the Sussex County NAACP and other advocacy groups, joined a panel to explore how the county can confront and reduce racially motivated incidents. A trauma specialist was also present to speak on the psychological toll of such events. Attendees were invited to share personal stories and raise questions, with some focusing on the recruitment processes of local fire departments. Organizers said the discussion was just the beginning of a broader effort to combat hate and promote community unity in Sussex County. Many left feeling hopeful, encouraged that dialogue has finally begun around these difficult issues.
