MILLVILLE, Del. - Two former members of the Millville Volunteer Fire Company have been charged with hate crimes after investigators say they harassed a fellow employee in a racially motivated incident at the fire station in 2024.
Delaware State Police arrested 27-year-old Jay Droney of Millville and 23-year-old Jordan Hastings of Delmar following a months-long investigation. According to court documents, the victim, a paid member of the fire department, was grilling outside when he observed Droney and Hastings practicing tying knots.
"He saw Jay exit the side door to the building and he was swinging an orange rope and stated, 'Come here boy'," The affidavit states. "He advised he chased him to the front of the fire department and back to the area where he was grilling. He advised Jordan Hastings was the one that videoed the incident."
The fire company notified authorities on April 9 about the incident, which had not been previously reported said DSP. The victim did not bring the issue to the department's attention because he, "Did not want to cause any problems."
When the victim arrived at work on April 9 coworkers were discussing a letter Droney wrote to a newspaper alleging that the department was doing "A lot of suspicious things." That is when the victim stated, "What about all the things Jay has done to me?" This led to people asking about the incident, said court documents.
The fire department said, "After becoming aware of the allegations that an employee had been racially harassed by volunteer members, the Millville Volunteer Fire Company promptly initiated an internal investigation. Our findings provided sufficient evidence to notify and involve the Delaware State Police."
The affidavit mentions that the victim was called a "c**n" by Droney and would talk about cotton fields in front of him.
Delaware State Police arrested 23-year-old Jordan Hastings and was charged with Hate Crime, Conspiracy in the Second Degree and Harassment. (DSP)
Delaware State Police arrested 27-year-old Jay Droney and was charged with Hate Crime, Conspiracy in the Second Degree and Harassment. (DSP)
Following the investigation, police obtained arrest warrants for both men on April 15. Droney and Hastings turned themselves in the same day at Troop 4. Each was charged with:
Hate Crime (Felony)
Conspiracy in the Second Degree (Felony)
Harassment
Both were arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3 and released on their own recognizance. Neither Droney nor Hastings remains affiliated with the fire department.
"We're taking this matter very seriously. We understand that incidents of racial harassment not only harm the individuals directly involved but also deeply affect our entire community," said the fire company. "Such behavior is unacceptable and goes against our core values of honor, respect, valor and inclusion. We are committed to standing together in solidarity against hatred and discrimination, ensuring that all members feel valued and safe within our organization."
The department says they will be implementing a harassment/discrimination prevention and reporting training program for officers, supervisors, employees and members as soon as practical. Also, there will be an immediate review of the current policies and will be updated accordingly.
The Delaware State Police continue to encourage anyone with additional information about this case to contact Troop 4 or submit a tip anonymously via Delaware Crime Stoppers.