The firefighter monument is a pyramidal metal sculpture on a circular concrete pad that sits within a grassy lawn area of the Kiwanis Park. It is honoring those that served, currently serve and those that will serve in the future. There are 4 signs (text below) that compliment the memorial along the edge of the circular area. Additionally there is a marker that list all the people who assisted with the memorial project (see photos).
The Making and Meaning
This sculpture pays tribute to the past success, present vibrancy, and bright future of the Seaford Fire Department. It acknowledges the selflessness of the fire fighters, EMS, Ladies Auxilary, and the community of Seaford, Delaware. It is dedicated to the people we have lost, to the people that have served, the people that now serve, and to those that will serve tomorrow.
Every part of the Tribute has a special meaning. A Pyramidal stainless-steel diamond-plated base is constructed of materials traditionally used in the fabrication of fire trucks. It supports a bundle of stainless-steel tubes shaped and lit by Light Emitting Diodes (LED) to resemble a flame. These are the fires we fight, the flame that burns for those we've lost, and the light that leads us into the future.
The insignia on the Tribute base is the patch of the Seaford Vol. Fire Dept., Inc. It mirrors the concrete and brick pavers at the base that are shaped as a Maltese Cross. This symbolizes the Fire Fighter's badge of honor - their courage fighting fires and coming to the rescue of those in need. Use of modern technology such as 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD), automated laser-cut steel, and LED lighting (soon to be powered by solar cells) brings us back to modern day and summons thoughts of the future. What will the flame look like tomorrow or when it snows?
Although the flame is immovable it is designed to change shape as people walk or drive by. Sunlight reflection and remotely controlled programable LEDs provide endless nighttime variation so that the experience of viewing the tribute is different for every individual, every time. The LEDs have been programmed to simulate a flame reflecting the seasons of the year, special events, and with solemn and subdued colors they shine in remembrance of SVFD and community members that have left us.
The Tribute was first drawn by hand and modeled before going 3D CAD modeling. The CAD data was transferred to a state-of-the-art laser cutting machine that cut and shaped the steel parts. While this was being completed the foundation, the sidewalks and the site lighting were installed. After fabrication and surface finishing the LEDs were installed in the flame, the programmable modules installed in the base and it all was assembled and tested in the shop. The Tribute was then lifted by crane in two large parts (base and flame), placed on its triangular base, bolted down, powered, and lit for the first time on September 11, 2017.
Seaford Volunteer Fire Department, INC.
Since its founding in 1901 by 50 concerned citizens, a volunteer fire department has served the Seaford Community. Although independent of the City of Seaford, the Seaford Volunteer Fire Department has worked closely with the City for over 100 years to protect the Seaford Community and surrounding area.
During the early years, the SVFD's equipment consisted mainly of ladder trailers and hand-drawn hose reels. The first motorized vehicle was a new Seagrave engine purchased in 1921. That same engine has been restored and today is proudly displayed at the SVFD Fire Museum located in downtown Seaford. Since that time the Department has continued to upgrade and modernize its equipment, adding aerial and rescue trucks to its fleet of fire engines. A "First Aid Squad" was organized in 1933, and the first ambulance was purchased the following year. In 1961 the department organized the State's first fire service related water rescue and recovery SCUBA dive team.
Members train both at the Delaware State Fire School and Department drills to maintain their proficiency in firefighting and rescue work, with many members having hundreds or thousands of hours of training. They answer alarms day and night, summer and winter. Some are routine and some are quite exhausting. During hurricanes, blizzards and floods, the Seaford Volunteer Fire Department members have been there to reduce the loss and aid the victims. Besides firefighting, members organize fund raisers and budget expenses to ensure the long term viability of the Department.
Since its inception, the Department has built and maintained a series of stations at King Street in Seaford. The present structure was completed in 1950, expanded in 1970, and extensively renovated in 2009.
Paid ambulance crews have supplemented volunteers since 2005, but the volunteers still run the Department. Today, over one hundred men and women continue to serve the Seaford community, providing firefighting, rescue, and ambulance services.
We proudly protect and serve our neighbors and friends.
Ladies' Auxiliary of the Seaford Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. (LASVFD)
This tribute stands to honor hour past, present, and future members of the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Seaford Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.
On February 18, 1935, fifteen charter members met to establish the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Seaford Volunteer Fire Department. These ladies prepared food in their homes to serve the firemen at fire scenes until 1942, when closet space in the original firehouse was turned into the first Emergency Kitchen.
With a "new" firehouse and through subsequent renovations, these ladies have worked diligently to support their fire department. Early fundraisers included card parties and supporting the firemen's carnivals with car raffles, money wheels and cake booths. Catering banquets and wedding receptions, as well as serving refreshments at various functions, have been the main source of income. Since 1935, the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Seaford Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., have been able to give the Seaford Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., over $370,000.
Throughout the years, the Seaford Ladies' Auxiliary (LASVFD) has actively supported the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Delaware Volunteer Firefighters' Association (LADVFA). Four Presidents of the LASVFD have gone on to become LADVFD state Presidents. They are Mrs. Eunice Tull (1944-1945), Mrs. Maud Spicer (1947-1948), Mrs. Jean Marvel (1986-1987), and Mrs. Debbie Marvel (2007-2008).
City of Seaford
The City of Seaford has always partnered with the Seaford Volunteer fire Department (SVFD) to provide services to the City, as well as the greater Seaford community. The SVFD is, by charter, a department that is self-governed. The City provides financial support, leases its buildings to the SVFD and works with them in supplying manpower and equipment when they have a need; in addition the City allocates funds through its budget process annually to SVFD.
The City considers itself fortunate to have so many community volunteers, many of whom not only volunteer themselves but their personal equipment as well. They can always be depended upon in both emergency and non-emergency situations.
This long standing relationship has been successful in providing the City with well-trained personnel and top notch equipment for our first responders and meet the needs of firefighting, ambulance and emergency medical support.
The City salutes the SVFD for developing this tribute to honor those presently serving and those who have served in the past and those who will certainly serve our community in the future.