Damages caused during the response to a 2023 Sussex County fire has state lawmakers considering additional penalties for intentionally harming first response vehicles.
Several Sussex County fire companies had their windows shattered by thrown rocks as they responded to a blaze at the New Process Fibre Company in Greenwood.
Shortly after the incident, Bridgeville fire truck driver Brent Workman told WBOC they were in disbelief as they approached the fire scene and realized their windshield had been cracked. “We go to help people, and something like that happens? Something is wrong with society today if you’re throwing rocks at a fire truck with its lights on.”
Ultimately, a 17-year-old was charged with 9 counts, including four of Criminal Mischief for damaging the Greenwood, Ellendale, Farmington, and Seaford fire trucks.
The Criminal Mischief charges are at the focus of Senate Bill 232, introduced by State Sen. David Wilson (R-Milford), which looks to increase the potential penalties for creating more than $5,000 in damage to a fire, police, or other first response vehicle.
