MILLVILLE, Del. - CoastTV spoke with the Millville Volunteer Fire Company president, fire chief and public information officer about two ex-volunteer firefighters charged with a hate crime.
Coasttv went to the fire department and spoke with Fire Chief Douglas Scott to learn more about who these people are.
"We really don't know and we really don't monitor that. that's you know, that's our personal time, their personal behavior but they were capable firefighters and we utilize them in that capacity," said Scott.
Once the victim made leadership aware of the hate crime that took place in February of 2024.
Greg Hocker, president of the fire department, says they quickly handled it.
"Within two and a half hours being notified, both members were suspended immediately. The state police had already been contacted and the fire commission had already been contacted. Then we called a special board meeting for the following evening and revoked their whole entire membership forever," explained Hocker.
Though both men joined as junior members, Hocker says he didn't hesitate to call the police.
"We're not going to tolerate it at all. I don't care if it's the youngest member here or the oldest member here, the best firefighter here or whoever. We will not tolerate it," said Hocker.
Many people asked why the fire department is just now learning about the situation and if they have security cameras. Chief Scott says there are cameras but they are not monitored 24/7. Someone would have to bring a situation directly to leadership for them to pull back the cameras.
We asked the department if people can trust them moving forward after people expressed concerns on social media.
"The men and women that volunteer here and work here, by and large, obviously, we've got two bad apples here. But by and large, have behaved nothing but honorably and respectfully and are here because they have an absolute desire to help the community and the community is everybody," said the fire department's public information officer, Gary Caunitis.
The fire department says they have an open door policy and encourages the public to speak to them if they have questions.
CoastTV asked the gentleman if any of them could tie a fireman's knot since that is what Hastings said Droney tied in the affidavit. They all said there are multiple ways to tie a fire man's knot. However, they all agreed, what they saw Droney chasing the employee with was not a fireman's knot. They say it was very clearly a noose.