Fallen firefighter, EMS worker laid to rest

Thomas W. Berry III was laid to rest at the Ellendale Cemetery Aug. 22 following a hero’s send-off that included a firefighter service at Crossroad Community Church and a procession including apparatus from nearly every fire department in Delaware, along with stops for last calls at Georgetown Fire Company, Sussex County Emergency Operations Complex in Georgetown and Ellendale Fire Company. 

Berry, 23, passed away Aug. 13 in the line of duty after stopping to assist a crash victim along Route 9 east of Georgetown. At the time, Berry was moving a paramedic vehicle from Lewes to Georgetown.

Berry was a member of the Georgetown and Ellendale fire companies, and a logistics technician with Sussex EMS.

Robert Murray, Sussex county public safety director, said Berry was a firehouse kid who grew up around firemen and fire trucks. “That’s where his love of serving the public started,” he said.

“At the time of his passing, he was serving the community. That’s who he was,” Murray added. “He was doing what he was trained to do. He was a hero who gave his life serving the community. All first responders know that risk.”

Jake Ricker, Georgetown Fire Company president, said Berry always put others ahead of himself. “The bravest thing anyone can do is to be a volunteer firefighter,” Ricker said.

He also said the outpouring of support from neighboring fire departments has been humbling.

Kyle Perry, Ellendale Fire Company president, said Berry grew up around the firehouse and became a great mentor to junior members. “He did what any firefighter would do across the nation. He honored us, representing all three agencies with pride,” Perry said.

Editor’s note: More details will be added as they become available.