Established 1954
This article is dedicated to the contributions of all of the members of the Memorial Volunteer Fire Company of Station 89 and this article mentions just a few. The company began in October, 1954, ten days after Hurricane Hazel battered the town of Slaughter Beach. There was a fire in the restaurant business of James “Jimmy” Wilson. Before the closest fire company in Milford could respond, the building was a total loss. The day after the fire, several residents of Slaughter Beach met to propose a plan to have firefighting equipment available to fight fires quickly while waiting for the support of other fire companies. Some of those involved were Conrad Fassel, Tom Plummer, George Cohee, Ben Young, and Al and Bob Sleva. An organizational meeting was held at the Mispillion Lighthouse Restaurant to create the new company. Following the meeting, an election of officers was held. The first officers were President George Cohee, Secretary Ben Young, Treasurer James Wilson, and Chief Conrad Fassel. Three hundred dollars were raised to buy their first piece of equipment, a 1927 American LaFrance Pumper, that was purchased from Teddy Walius of the Ellendale Fire Company.
In 1999, Richard “Dick” Caldwell, (1932-2021) Vice-President and Archivist, created a 40-page spiral-bound booklet documenting the history of the Slaughter Beach Fire Company. The booklet was updated and revised in 2007, and the front cover is the photo on the right. Dick held many other positions within the Company; Fire Police Captain, Rescue Captain, Safety Officer, and Company Chaplain. The Memorial Fire Company 89 has posted more recent history on their website: https://memorialfire89.com. Below are listed just a few of the many devoted members and contributors to the creation and history of the Memorial Volunteer Fire Company of Slaughter Beach.
Richard “Dick” Caldwell (1932-2021) was involved with the Memorial Fire Company for many years, and held several positions over that time. He contributed his talents in many other ways as well. He was a veteran, serving in the Army from 1953-1955, he was a teacher in the Milford School District, where he also served as an assistant football and wrestling coach and was the President of the Milford Teachers’ Association.
From 1973 to 1992 he was Director of Student Teaching at Delaware State College. This is just a short list of the contributions that he made. In addition, his brother, John Caldwell (1934-2019) also served the Company for 52 years.
Bob Chalmers (1943-2023) was another devoted member of the Fire Company, and his obituary even featured the logo of the Company. He held many positions of importance to the Company from 2007 to 2021. He served as Director #1 for 5 years, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2018, and 2021; Director #2 for 2017, Fire Police 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018, and 2021. He filled many other support roles in his long contribution of service.
Donald E. “Donnie” Evans, Jr. (1936-2025): was another lifetime member of the Fire Company, and was a primary ambulance driver. He contributed historic interviews and several photos to the Slaughter Beach Historical Society. His association with Slaughter Beach began early when his family made trips every year to vacation here. He moved to Slaughter Beach permanently and lived at 217 Bay Avenue until his death. His obituary read “In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Donald’s honor to the Slaughter Beach Memorial Fire Company.”
Edward C. Evans (1900-1961) Edward was with the Carlisle Fire Company in Milford in 1932, when he was injured fighting a fire in Milford. He went on to become a seven times Mayor of the town of Milford. He participated in many activities of Slaughter Beach, where he was the President of the Memorial Fire Company, the Town alderman, and Town treasurer. He was instrumental in expanding the Fire Company, noted in an article posted on https://memorialfire89.com. “From late 1956 until fall of 1958, the fire company experienced a period of inactivity. In September 1958, Edward Evans of Milford convened a meeting at his summer cottage for the purpose of reestablishing and reincorporating the Memorial Volunteer Fire Company. Some of the members present were Pete Manlove, Jr. Hitchens, Dick Caldwell, Herman Sharp Jr., Connie Fassel, Howard Hitchens, Rich Shockley, and Bob Sleva. The name “Memorial Volunteer Fire Company” was to become the official name of the organization to honor all veterans of WWII fought by the United States of America. This name was accepted and remains the official department name today. The name Memorial is also in memory of Howard Wilkins and Howard Hozemuller of the Carlisle Fire Company, who assisted with fire protection at Slaughter Beach prior to their deaths in the service of their country.” Edward’s wife, Essie (1902-1986), was also involved with the Ladies Auxiliary.
Conrad H. “Connie” Fassel (1925-1999) “Connie” was one of the original organizers of the Memorial Fire Company, and was the first fire chief at its inception in 1954. He was involved with many of the early activities of the Fire Company, such as construction of the original fire hall, and procuring the first pieces of firefighting equipment. His wife, J. Louise Fassel (1930-2008) was a charter member of the Fire Company and served for 50 years, establishing the Ladies Auxiliary.
Lemuel C. “Jr.” Hitchens, Jr. (1925-1997) was a colorful local personality who dedicated his life to establishing and supporting the Fire Company. According to several sources, Junior was an overseer of the construction and expansions of the building housing the Fire Company. He also established several charitable events, including the Children’s Christmas Party, Santa’s visit at the fire hall, and Santa’s visit to the Milford Hospital and local nursing homes. The first line of communications for the volunteers was set up at his store, and when the alarm sounded, he closed the store and answered the call as a fireman. He was responsible for keeping the water tankers full. The Fire Company named him as “Chief Emeritus” posthumously in 1999.
His 1965 parade uniform hangs on a mannikin on display on the second floor of the fire hall. His jacket and a closeup of his nameplate are included here. In addition, his wife, Irene Hitchens (1927-2016) was a long-time member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Memorial Fire Company in Slaughter Beach. Curt Esposito shared a memory of Junior with the Slaughter Beach Historical Society, noting that “Junior and Irene (his wife) were great friends of the Esposito family for decades and really looked after my parents as they both fell terminally ill in 1965. Junior, the fire chief emeritus, of course arranged for the Slaughter Beach ambulance to transport my Dad to his final resting place at the West Point Cemetery (10 June) to be so sadly joined by my mother on 25 June – which would have marked their 33rd wedding anniversary to the day in 1932.”
Herman W. Sharp (1927-2007): From his obituary, Mr. Sharp was a 51-year life member, past chief and past president of Memorial Fire Co. in Slaughter Beach, a member of the Milford Elks Lodge 2401, American Legion Post 3 in Milford, Masonic Temple Lodge No. 9 AF&AM in Milford, Milford Moose Lodge 2316 and a member and past president of the Kent County Board of Realtors.
Richard Franklin Shockley (1933-2011) was Director #1 from 2007-2008, Director of the building committee, Director at Large, Director Emeritus, and Vice-President, among his many roles. He was a farmer, and his second job was supporting the Town of Slaughter Beach. He became interested in the Slaughter Beach Memorial Fire Company through his service in the Delaware National Guard. The great Nor’easter of March 6-8, 1962, impelled him to become a fireman himself through collaboration with the Slaughter Beach Memorial Fire Company during their efforts alongside the Delaware National Guard to resolve the horrific damage to the Oak Orchard area caused by the storm. His involvement in the aftermath of the storm led him to a full fire company membership with the Slaughter Beach Memorial Fire Company in October, 1962. He continued his service of 50 years to our fire company and community until his death on Dec 3, 2011. His parade uniform is also on the second floor of the fire hall with other fire company memorabilia. His obituary stated that “In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to the Richard Franklin Shockley Playground Park in care of the Slaughter Beach Memorial Fire Company.
Robert “Captain Bob” Sleva: (1935-2026) Bob was one of the original founders of the Fire Company. He was a legendary figure in Slaughter Beach and participated in the history of Slaughter Beach for many years.
Harlan R. Swain. Jr. “Swainy” “Sandy” (1946-2009) Harlan was a veteran of the Delaware Army National Guard, serving in the artillery crew. He worked at George & Lynch Construction as a mechanic never missing a days work for over 40 years. Sandy served with pride and was a life member of the Memorial Fire Company of Slaughter Beach. During his many years of service he served as the Building Superintendent, Chief Engineer and was President for 17 years. He was also awarded Fireman of the Year several times. In December of 2008, Sandy was honored by the fire company with the President Emeritus Award. His funeral took place at the Station 89 Fire Hall at Slaughter Beach, where he received full firefighter honors.
C. William “Bill” Warner (1947-2016): Bill was a long-time member of the Memorial Fire Company where he served as past president and as a fire policeman. He also spent over 40 years as an instructor with Delaware State Fire School. His obituary calls him a “Proud Firefighter.”
The community of Slaughter Beach continues to honor all the firemen and supporters who have served it. These plaques are prominently displayed in the lower-level meeting area of the fire hall, where many of the town meetings are held. Also at that meeting area are dozens of historical photos of the activities of the Slaughter Beach Memorial Fire Company, Station 89.
