Station 33 - Delaware Air Guard Fire Department

05/14/2026

We are saddened to announce the passing of Staff Sergeant (Retired) Al Akeroyd.

Al was the kind of person who left an impression on everyone he met. He had a big heart, a sharp sense of humor, and stories that could keep a room laughing for hours. More importantly, he was a brother, mentor, and friend to many throughout the Delaware Air National Guard Fire Department and the 166th Civil Engineering Squadron.

SSgt Akeroyd proudly served as a firefighter with the Delaware Air National Guard Fire Department. From November 2019 through April 2020, he deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, where he served as an Air Advisor training Iraqi firefighters. During that deployment, he endured repeated rocket and mortar attacks while continuing to carry out his mission in support of the Iraqi military. For his actions and service under combat conditions, he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal with “C” Device.

Prior to joining the Delaware Air National Guard, Al served as a Scout Sniper in the United States Marine Corps. He carried that same dedication, toughness, and loyalty throughout his career and into everyday life.

Al will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know and serve alongside him. Please keep his family, friends, and brothers and sisters in uniform in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Alfred Stuart Akeroyd Jr., 45, of Palestine, passed away unexpectedly at his home on May 5, 2026. Born on April 25, 1981, in Abington, he was the son of Alfred Akeroyd Sr. and the late Dorothy McGowan. Alfred proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps and later

04/21/2026

Members of the 166th Airlift Wing, the Delaware Air National Guard Fire Department, and various first responders from the surrounding community attended an outstanding presentation led by Captain Michael Puglisi of the District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department, focused on the initial response to the Potomac River mid-air collision that occurred in January of 2025.

Captain Puglisi walked through the initial responding companies’ perspective during a complex, high-risk incident, breaking down decision-making in those critical first moments. The discussion emphasized command presence, rapid size-up, operational priorities, and the realities of coordinating across multiple agencies under pressure.

Key takeaways included:
• Establishing control early and communicating clear intent
• Prioritizing life safety in a dynamic, multi-casualty environment
• Maintaining adaptability as the incident evolves
• The importance of interagency coordination and unified command

Training like this sharpens our ability to operate effectively when the stakes are highest. We appreciate Captain Puglisi taking the time to share real-world experience and lessons learned.

Note: Michael Puglisi is the Captain of the Fire Boat for Washington DC Fire and EMS and was the inital Incident Commander of the fatal tragedy that took place with involving a Commercial Airliner and an Army Blackhawk

Captain Puglisi is also a veteran and former Military Fire Chief of the Delaware Air National Guard Fire Department.

04/17/2026

Rescue 33 made the response

04/14/2026

Day 3 of the TCCC Combat Lifesaver Course

The Delaware Air National Guard Fire Department, along with the 436th CES/Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and 512th CES Air Force Reserve EOD out of Dover Air Force Base
focused on critical, life-saving interventions.

Training emphasized the recognition and management of tension pneumothorax with needle decompression, as well as proper application of aortic tourniquets for severe hemorrhage control.

The day consisted of repetitive, hands-on scenarios to build proficiency, speed, and confidence under pressure. Emphasis was placed on rapid assessment, decisive action, and correct technique in high-acuity situations.

Essential training for deployed environments

04/13/2026

14 members of the Delaware Air National Guard Fire Department, along with various members of Dover Air Force Base, are currently taking TCCC-Combat Life Saver Course, taught by the 142nd Aeromedical Squadron.

TCCC Tier 2, or TCCC Combat Lifesaver, is a 40-hour intermediate training course designed for non-medical military personnel tasked with providing additional medical support. It bridges the gap between basic life-saving skills (Tier 1) and advanced combat medic care (Tier 3), focusing on advanced hemorrhage control and trauma management

04/08/2026

*Hiring Announcement*

Delaware Air National Guard Fire Department is hiring a Captain of Fire Prevention

In the comment section is a detailed overview of the position. Here is a quick summary..

Read Carefully

-Yes, you must have all of these certifications. PRIOR to application. The reason for this, our Captains must be able to operate as acting Assistant Chiefs under our command structure

-This is non-dual status position. You DO NOT need to be a military member, and no military obligation is required.

-Have a clean, manicured resume submitted with your application

04/04/2026

C Shift putting in the work.

C shifts from Delaware Air National Guard Fire Department and Wilmington Manor Fire Company kicked off the day with a shared breakfast, got after it in the base gym, then hit Pine Valley Apartments for hose advancement training.

Train together. Work together. Perform when it counts.

04/03/2026

Delaware Air National Guard Fire crews training on agent application, ARFF handlines, and water resuppply.

With the uptick in Aircraft Emergencies recently, these types of training, which are already scheduled on a regular basis, become more prudent

02/09/2026

The Delaware Air National Guard Fire Department has responded to several incidents over the last few weeks.

On 27 January at 0255, Engine 33 made the response on the 2nd alarm to assist Minquadale (St 22) to the 100 block of Parma Ave for a Residential Structure Fire. A 2nd alarm was dispatched for a Mayday of a firefighter, which was quickly cleared. The firefighter did not sustain injuries, and units had to scene under control in about an hour.

On 29 January, at approximately 2306, Engine 33 responded to assist Holloway Terrace (St 20) for a Residential Structure Fire. Engine 33 arrived as a supplemental engine, and assisted with overhaul and hitting hot spots.

On Saturday, February 9th, Units from New he Delaware Air National Guard Fire Department operated on a couple incidents.

At approximately 1445 hours, Tanker 33 was dispatched to assist Minquad (St 23) to the 100 block of Water Street for a Large Outside Fire, which included a large pile of mulch and a piece of equipment. Tanker 33 operated for 4.5 hours.

At approximately 1843, while Minquas was still operating at the Mulch fire, Engine 33 responded to Boxwood Rd and Centreville Rd in their district for a MVC with Entrapment. Engine 33 assisted units on scene with extrication of one patient.

Some pictures were borrowed from their respectful owners and their credit goes to them.

12/28/2025

At approximately 1810 on 27 December, Engine 33 responded, assisting to a reported MVC with Entrapment in the area of Hares Corner

Squad 32 arrived on scene confirming one vehicle on its roof, with 2 trapped

Engine 33 arrived, assisting with stabilization and extrication

Squad 32, Engine 33, Rescue Engine 22 and Engine 18, along with New Castle County Paramedics worked to extricate both patients within 14 minutes of arrival.

Wilmington Manor Fire Company Minquadale Fire Company, Station 22 Good Will Fire Company New Castle County Paramedics