Share: 

Rally for Our First Responders a sunny success

Sussex County EMS and the Blood Bank of Delmarva spread the word about their partnership allowing Sussex EMS to administer whole blood in the field. This intervention significantly increases trauma patient survivability. Shown are (l-r) Sussex EMS Director Robbie Murray, Blood Bank of Delmarva Communication Specialist Tony Prado, Sussex EMS Field Training Coordinator Jordan Dattoli and Sussex EMS Medical Director Dr. Paul Cowan. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
May 24, 2023

The Rally for Our First Responders at Hudson Fields took place May 21 after rain postponed the event from its original May 20 date. The event was presented by the Shaffer Family Foundation and gives back to local emergency responders.

The event recognized the Sussex County Paramedic Association, Lewes Fire Department, Milton Fire Department, Georgetown Fire Company, Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company, Indian River Volunteer Fire Department, Fit 4 Duty Foundation, Delaware C.O.P.S., Delaware Association of Chiefs of Police and Camp Barnes.

Each supported organization presented fire, rescue, emergency medical services and police informational displays. Demonstrations throughout the day included first responder vehicles, K-9, aviation, SORT team, scuba team, mounted police, specialty equipment, honor guard and more.

Attractions included live music from four bands, children’s activities, food trucks, Revelation beer, wine and cocktails from Easy Speak and Chelsea & Company, silent and live auctions, and a variety of vendors. Grass Roots Rescue also held an adoption event.

 

Sussex EMS Special Operations Manager Glenn Marshall displays the equipment used by EMS personnel.
Milton Police Department is represented by PFC Brent Schoof, left, and Chief Derrick Harvey.
Cpl. Brian Crisman of the Delaware State Police Bomb Squad displays the robotic officer used to dispose of threats.
Joe Esposito of the Lewes Fire Department shows his firefighting equipment to 4-year-old twins Lily and Daisey Bobb.
New Castle County police officers greeted young future officers. Shown are (l-r) Cpl. Will DeJesus, Cpl. Adam Orndorff, 8-year-old Lena Chandler, officer Herman Congo, officer Jordan Banks, 5-year-old Maisey Chandler, 10-year-old Kade Stafford, and Lt. Angie Dolan.
Josh Miller of Artnsaw Chainsaw Carving cuts a custom-carved bear.
Margo Mitchell of Happy Camper Design Company displays her custom-engraved signs.
Paul Cullen sings “Shooting Star” by his former group Bad Company.
McGruff the Crime Dog walks Hudson Fields with Lewes Police Chief Thomas Spell.
Sweet Leda lead singer Julie Cymek performs during the event.
Sweet Leda bassist Jaime Horrigan shares his bass lead with Drew Fitzkee.
Lower Case Blues bassist BJ Muntz performs at the event.
Event organizer Kyle Shaffer welcomes visitors.
Visitors enjoy Sweet Leda during their set on the big stage.
Grass Roots Rescue’s Danali looks sweet as she awaits adoption.
Harper Winkey, 3, meets his favorite characters. Shown are (l-r) Linsey Webb, Winkey, Ariel, Mulan and Cinderella. The characters are from Pursuit for Peace, which serves the community as a woman-owned, multi-state 501(c)3 by bringing joy to those who need it most, particularly to children facing devastating trauma due to severe medical conditions and circumstances.
Tina Malyk takes a ride on a pony led by her trainer Eva Vanbderslice from The Little Farm from Camden Wyoming.
Nathan Heller, 8, feeds the chicken from The Little Farm.
Kendall Schuler pets a bunny from The Little Farm petting zoo.
Catherine Flaherty from Copycat face painting displays her talents with 7-year-old Alisa Malyk.
Delaware State Troopers walking Hudson Fields are (l-r) Robin Brown, Daniel Barry and Mike Young.
Paul Cullen sings “Shooting Star” by his former group Bad Company.
Alex Fitzkee pounds out the beat for the bands.
Jodie Daminger and her sons Dalen, 16, and Austen, 4, reserve their space before the crowd arrives.
The Cup ‘R Cone ice cream truck is a popular treat at the event.
Liam Wiedman plays the Jimi Hendrix version of the national anthem.
The Delaware State Police helicopter always draws a crowd.
The First Responders Honor Guard honors America.
Grass Roots Rescue volunteer Cliff Rose holds Nibbles who awaits his turn at being adopted to a furever home.
Brianna Dill, 2 1/2, found a friend at The Little Farm petting zoo.
The Beebe Healthcare Mobile Health Clinic is run by (l-r) Rick Triplett, Laura Lecompte, Kaylynn White and Kathy Greeley.
Representing the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company are (l-r) firefighter Lenny Marsch, fire prevention chair Amanda Peters and firefighter Ciera Barnett.

Most Popular

Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs. 

Most Popular