A fire chief in Delaware has passed away after being injured while on the job, according to a release from the department.
The Clayton (DE) Fire Company announced the passing of Fire Chief John M. Pridemore, who was injured in a fall at the station on March 7, 2022, while conducting station cleanup duties. Chief Pridemore died on March 8, 2022 at the Christiana Hospital.
Chief Pridemore joined the Clayton Fire Company in January 1991 as a regular member “stating he wanted to serve the community he lived in.” He served the Clayton Fire Company in many offices, the most recent as fire chief from 2021 to the present. Chief Pridemore served as vice president of the fire company in 2008 and 2012 and served as president from 2009-2011. He also served as company secretary in 2007. He served as a fire lieutenant in 2013 and 2014, fire captain in 2015 and 2017, and as first assistant chief 2016 and 2018. In 2019 and 2020 he served as deputy chief and was elected chief in 2021.
Chief Pridemore’s service extended beyond his community. He served as the president of the Kent County Volunteer Firefighter’s Association in 2013. Additionally, he served his county in the Delaware National Guard as a military police officer. He was a third degree mason with the Smyrna Lodge.
Chief Pridemore is survived by his wife Kimberly, his daughter Amanda and her significant other Jorden, his son Michael, and his granddaughter Sadie. He was currently employed by the Town of Clayton as the town manager.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration notice, on Monday, March 7, 2022, Chief John M. Pridemore, 54, was conducting station cleanup duties when he was injured in a 25 foot fall. He was immediately rushed to the Christiana Hospital where he passed away from his injuries on Tuesday, March 8, 2022.
