First State Update has learned that Tom DiCristofaro, President of the Delaware Volunteer Firefighter’s Association (DVFA), has sent a formal letter to the Attorney General concerning the recent injury of a Delaware City Fire Police Officer.
The letter addresses what DiCristofaro considers inadequate legal repercussions for a motorist who reportedly recently struck and injured a Fire Police Officer at an accident scene. The letter, reviewed by First State Update, underscores the DVFA’s dissatisfaction with the perceived leniency shown toward the driver involved in the incident.
The letter references legislation signed into law by Governor John Carney on September 19, which strengthens fines and penalties for drivers who fail to “move over” when approaching emergency vehicles, including fire apparatus, tow trucks, and highway workers. This law aims to enhance protections for first responders who face significant risks while on duty at emergency scenes. The DVFA contends that despite these legal safeguards, the motorist in this case received only a minimal fine, which the association views as “Totally Unacceptable” according to the letter.
The DVFA’s letter further outlines the critical role Fire Police Officers play in managing safety at emergency scenes and highlights the importance of strict adherence to traffic regulations designed to protect them. They assert that Fire Police work alongside state police and other law enforcement agencies and argue that if this incident had involved a law enforcement officer, the consequences might have been more severe. The association has called on the Attorney General to ensure that maximum penalties are sought in cases where emergency personnel are endangered by drivers.
The letter is in regard to the October 8th, incident that injured Delaware City Fire Police Captain Dennis Layton Sr. Layton was struck by a vehicle while directing traffic at an accident scene at around 7:30 AM at Wrangle Hill and McCoy Roads.