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The Story: Apparant Flashover at Controlled Burning Traps, Kills Delaware Asst. Chief
HARRY R. CARTER, Ph.D., MIFireE
Firehouse.Com Columnist
Photos by Dr. Bob Fleming
GREENWOOD, Del. (May 4) -- On a beautiful spring afternoon, the town of Greenwood, Delaware gathered to bid a somber farewell to one of their own. Just this past Sunday, tragedy struck that small community in the southern part of the state. Second Assistant Chief Arnold Blankenship, III died during a fire department live fire operation.
As my traveling companion, Dr. Bob Fleming, the Executive Director of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors and I traveled through the Maryland country side, we paused to ponder the impact of this event on the fabric of a small rural farming town. We did not have long to wonder. As we entered the community we noticed an almost total absence of people on the streets. The town was still and quiet. Every flag we saw was flying at half-staff.
Our questions were soon answered when we arrived at the fire station of the Greenwood Volunteer Fire Company #1. Fire, EMS, and police vehicles stretched up and down the normally busy U.S. Route 13. After being ushered into a parking area carved out of a nearby farm field, we left our car and crossed over to join the throngs of mourners ringing the sturdy fire station that was build straddling the area between the north and southbound lanes.
We noted fire apparatus of many hues and colors. Fire and EMS personnel from throughout Delaware were joined by their brothers and sisters from Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. I even spoke with Deputy Chief John McNamara who had traveled from Worcester, Massachusetts, with his wife to bring a message of support from a city that has itself know recent great tragedy.
Chief Blankenship's services were held at the local fire station, in order that there would be enough room for all who wished to attend. A uniformed honor guard of fire company members stood at parade rest, guarding their departed leader.
A wide array of photographs had been placed on display near the casket. They portrayed to us, who never had the privilege of knowing him, a loving husband, father, son, and brother. They also showed us a proud member of the Greenwood Volunteer Fire Company.
Sadly, we spoke of the fact that the Blankenship family had gathered at the very same fire station, one day before the chief's death, to celebrate the first birthday of the Chief's son, Zach. This though kept running through out thoughts, as we sat in the bay area of the station, watching the long lines of blue clad brothers and sisters quietly move in to take their place among the throng who had gathered to pay their respects.
The beauty of the day stood in stark contrast to the tragedy of the occasion. The nearly cloudless sky served as the canopy for all of us who had gathered in this quiet, rural community. As we sat waiting for the service to begin, a steady breeze blew though the station, ruffling the flags and banners of the honor guard.
The State of Delaware had truly come together to pay tribute to a fallen hero. The dignitaries included United States Senator Joseph Biden, and Governor Thomas Carper, Lt. Governor Ruth Minner, and Attorney General Jane Brady.
At 1330 hr. the service began with a short multi-media slide video presentation that portrayed the life of Chief Blankenship. As the images came onto the screen, we were privileged to share a unique insight into the life of a young man who obviously loved his young son, his wife, his friends and his family.
Senator Biden then came forward and shared a message of personal condolences with the family from President and Mrs. Clinton. It should be noted that Senator Biden had delivered a moving tribute to Chief Blankenship at the annual Fire Service Caucus Dinner in Washington, DC, on the evening just prior to the funeral. He had spoken of the dedicated service of fine people like Chief Blankenship, who stepped forward to protect and defend their communities out of a sense of duty and tradition. Senator Biden then presented an American Flag to the family that had been flown over the United States Capitol.
After Senator Biden completed his sad presentation, Reverend David Paul gave the opening prayer. He delivered a message of hope and faith in the midst of a tragedy, at a time when all we have is faith and hope for the future.
Following the prayer, Greenwood Fire Company President Clayton Yocum moved to the fore. He spoke in glowing terms of a young man who stepped forward six years ago to serve his community. He spoke of how Chief Blankenship was the latest generation of his family to serve the Greenwood community in their fire company. He spoke of the Chief's drive for knowledge and his zeal to serve the citizens of his community.
He spoke of Chief Blankenship's ability to bring the many parts of the fire company together. President Yocum spoke of the Chief's leadership ability and his tremendous communication's skills. He gave us all a vivid picture of a man who possessed a unique blend of charisma and compassion: a man who would truly be missed.
Fire Chief Thomas Jones then stepped forward to speak of his friend and colleague. "Arnie was a real go-getter, " Chief Jones said. "He loved to take on new challenges, and solve problems." Chief Jones also spoke glowingly of Chief Blankenship's ability to work as a mentor for the new members. He spoke of how his friend described his reasons for joining the fire company. "He once told me that it was in his heart to help others," Chief Jones noted.
Next came Vice President Finley Jones. He spoke of the close relationship between Chief Blankenship and his own son. He gave a very moving message to us all about how he had bonded with the chief, like he was his own son. He then went on to say that, "…he was a good son. He always cared about his mother and father." He pledged the support of the entire fire company to help the Blankenship family in any way possible.
Chief Blankenship's aunt, Dolly Young, spoke on behalf of the family. Her words told us of a young man who was wise and caring beyond his years. "He was always calling his parents to be sure that they were alright. He was at every family event. He truly cared about us all. I am proud that I can call him my nephew."
Following Reverend Paul's words of comfort and assurance from the 23rd Psalm, Steve Austin, the President of the Delaware State Fireman's Association, delivered the closing prayer. His reading of the Fireman's Prayer was particularly poignant, particularly the closing lines wherein it is said that, "… and if according to Your will, I have to lose my life, please bless with your protecting hand, my children and my wife."
Following the mournful bagpipe strains of the famous hymn of passage, "Going Home," the assembled mass moved out of the station. The funeral procession then formed up on U.S. Route 13. This major north/south transportation corridor had been taken over for the day by the Delaware State Fire Police, in tribute to their fallen brother.
We then stepped off for the half-mile march to the little cemetery out on the edge of town. It was a true, old-time fireman's farewell. The entire route of the cortege was lined with fire and EMS apparatus from throughout the region. Chief Blankenship was borne to his final rest place on the fire company's 1924 Ford Model T antique fire engine, followed by more than a half dozen pumpers bearing floral tributes.
Citizens of the community stopped what they were doing and came forward to watch. They left their homes and stores to pay a final farewell to one of their protectors.
From Greenwood Volunteer Fire Company Web Site
2nd Assistant Chief Arnold Blankenship
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It took a long time to bring the mass of people to attention at the burial location. It seemed like the blue-clad line stretched on very long distance. There was a quiet dignity among the assembled mass of fire and EMS personnel, as they came to attention as Chief Blankenship was carried through a series of arched pike poles to his final resting place by his brother firefighters.
We then gathered our thoughts, as the lone piper played the hauntingly familiar melody, Amazing Grace. Following the closing prayers, taps was sounded. As the last notes of Taps drifted out across the cemetery, a low wailing began to rise up out of the distance. The Greenwood Fire Company was sounding the call for Chief Blankenship's final response.
As the last round of the siren drifted off across the Southern Delaware countryside, we came slowly back to the realization that it was now time to leave the cemetery, and return to our communities. While we walked back to the station, many stories passed back and forth, as we shared the camaraderie that brings us all together as firefighters, regardless of where we practice our craft.
It came to me as I walked back with my fellow firefighters, as it does each time on sad occasions such as this, that one less brother was coming back. Another brave firefighter had died doing what they loved. We have to come together to make sense of this tragedy. There will be lessons learned and lessons taught. Chief Blankenship believed in training and would want us to work to make the fire service a better, safer place in which to protect and serve.
We owe this to our departed Brother and his family and friends.
Contributions can be made to a trust fund for his Blankenship's son Zach.
- Zachary Blankenship Trust Fund
The Greenwood Fire Company
P.O. Box 1
Greenwood, DE 19950
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Harry R. Carter, Ph.D., MIFireE, is an internationally known municipal fire protection consultant and contributing editor to Firehouse Magazine. He recently retired as a Battalion Commander with the Newark, New Jersey Fire Department. His commentary appears regularly on Firehouse.Com. For more commentary and information, visit Carter's web site at www.harrycarter.com
A Small Town Says Farewell to One of its Own