Wednesday May, 21 2025

Nature: Auxiliary of the Sussex County Volunteer Firefighter’s Association Hosts Memorial Service

Location: Seaford Fire Department

On Wednesday evening, May 21^st, the Auxiliary of the Sussex County Volunteer Firefighter’s Association hosted their Annual Memorial Service to memorialize and pay tribute to the fallen auxiliary members over the past year.

In total, the Auxiliary Associations of the Sussex County Volunteer Firefighter’s Association lost nineteen (19) members over the past year which were affiliated with the following fire companies:

• Bridgeville – three (3) auxiliary members;

• Dagsboro – one (1) auxiliary member;

• Delmar – one (1) auxiliary member;

• Georgetown – one (1) auxiliary member after;

• Indian River – four (4) auxiliary members;

• Laurel – one (1) auxiliary member;

• Millville - three (3) auxiliary members;

• Rehoboth Beach – two (2) auxiliary members; and

• Selbyville – three (3) auxiliary members.

Each auxiliary association provided a designated speaker to commemorate their respective fallen sister(s) which included a synopsis of their membership activities.

Auxiliary Vice President Leolga Wright spoke on behalf of the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company and offered the following commentary “…Unfortunately for Indian River, death took a drastic toll on our auxiliary as we lost four (4) members over the past year.  The service of these members ranged from 12 years to 24 years. Just as the span of membership for these ladies varied, so did their personalities and their ability to have their voices heard, in many cases loud  and clear.” 

“The word VOID is defined as a completely empty or blank space, a gap or a vacancy and emptiness caused by the loss of something.  This definition of VOID describes to a “T” the feeling of the loss of these ladies.”

1. Shirley Paulley joined the Auxiliary in 2009 after she and her late husband, Skip,  moved to the Oak Orchard area in 2004.  She was one who did not want to sit idle. She had a bubbly personality and could be counted on to help wherever she was needed.  Miss Shirley served on several committees and attended many county meetings.  She was awarded a life membership in the Auxiliary. Shirley passed away on June 20, 2024 and is definitely missed.”  Additional information may be obtained by viewing the following website https://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/50799.  

2. Mrs. Sue Szymanski joined the Auxiliary in 1999.  Sue could be counted on to help make dumplings, but her specialty was making sure there were NO crab parts (shells) were in the crab cakes that were served on several occasions.  Sue served as Treasurer for several years and volunteered on various committees during her tenure.  Sue was awarded a life membership in the Auxiliary.  Sue passed away on October 16, 2024.  Additional information may be obtained by viewing the following website https://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/51509?ss=1.

3. Mrs. Janet Wojszwillo joined the auxiliary in 2012.  A very soft-spoken lady, she was always willing to help wherever she was needed.  She could be counted on to bake for any function we were having.  She was awarded a life membership in March of 2023.  Health issues made it difficult for her to make the monthly meetings, but she kept in touch with some members when she had to move to Pennsylvania with her daughter.  Janet passed on January 20, 2025.  Additional information may be obtained by viewing the following website https://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/53164

4.  Mrs. Chere Riordan first joined the auxiliary in 1998.  After several years of service, she left the auxiliary but returned in 2011 where she remained a member until her passing.  Chere was also awarded a life membership in the auxiliary.  She was well know throughout the count having also been a member of the Mid Sussex Rescue Squad, ambulance attendant and EMT for a culmination of 46 years in the volunteer service and serving as a member of the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team.  Chere served as Vice President of the Auxiliary and on many committees as well.  Her unwavering dedication to the Delaware Fire Service was a beacon of inspiration, leaving a lasting impact on those she worked alongside of.  Chere will be remembered as one who did not mince her words.  She voiced her opinion whenever needed.  Additional information may be obtained by viewing the following website https://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/53318

All of the aforementioned ladies have definitely left a VOID that can never be filled.  They are missed and will forever be in our hearts.

A cadre of family and friends attended this memorial service of behalf of our fallen auxiliary members.