Saturday, August 15, 2026

Nature:  Indian River Hosts Open House – Station Dedication – Long Neck Facility

Location:  Station 2 – Long Neck facility

On Saturday, August 15^th, the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company hosted an Open House - Station Dedication Event for the recently completed Long Neck Fire Station.

On behalf of the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company, we extend our deepest gratitude:

• To our dedicated volunteers — your time, energy, and unwavering commitment to serving our community are the heart of everything we do. Whether you were giving tours, answering questions, demonstrating equipment, or simply offering a friendly smile, you helped create an event that was both educational and welcoming.

• To our community members and guests — thank you for showing up with curiosity, kindness, and support. Your presence reminds us why we serve and strengthens the bond between our fire company and the people we protect.

• To our partners, sponsors, and behind-the-scenes helpers — your contributions, big and small, ensured that every detail came together seamlessly.

Events like this are more than just open doors — they are open hearts. Together, we’ve built not just a fire company, but a family.

Illustrated herewith is the agenda for the presentations:

• Welcoming Comments

  • Innovation by Assistant Pastor Ed Vidzicki – Community Church of Oak Orchard

  • Introduction of Guests

    • The Honorable Jeff Hilovsky, State Representative -4^th District – Delaware House of Representative

    • The Honorable Ronald Marvel – Delaware State Fire Prevention Commission

    • The Honorable Ronald O’Neal – Millsboro Town Council and President – Millsboro Volunteer Fire Company

    • Bonnie Rogers – President – Auxiliary of the Indian River VFC

    • Leolga Wright – Vice President – Auxiliary of the Indian River VFC

    • Thomas DiCristorfaro – President – Claymont Fire Company

    • Gordon Bosley, Jr. – Chief – Rehoboth Beach VFC

    • Dan Burris, President – PHB, Inc.

    • Indian River VFC – Life Members

      • Michael G. Bowden

      • Horace K. Jackson, Jr.

      • Patrick C. Miller

      • Derrick M. I. Pry

      • Joseph F. Thompson, III

      • James R. Wagner

      • Daniel Warrington

      • Leolga T. Wright

    • Indian River VFC – Fire Line Officers

      • Richard Zwiebel, First Assistant Chief

      • James Schmidt, Captain

      • William F. Tobin, Jr., Fire Police Captain

    • Joseph Conway – Retired Sussex County Administrator

  • Station #2 – Building Commentary

  • Station #2 – Apparatus Commentary

    • Truck Housing Commentary

    • Truck Housing Activity

  • Station Tours (continued)

    • Fire Prevention Activities

From all of us at Indian River Volunteer Fire Company — thank you, stay safe, and remember - we’re always here for you.

Illustrated herewith are photographs to highlight the day’s activities.