Procession honors Clayton Fire Chief John Pridemore

Fire and rescue crews from Clayton and Smyrna were joined by first responders from throughout the state Friday during the dignified transfer service for Clayton Fire Chief John Pridemore.

Clayton Fire Company spokesman Kevin Wilson said the procession started at the state medical examiner’s office in Wilmington and ended at Faries Funeral Home in Smyrna, escorted by the Clayton Fire Company; Citizens’ Hose Company of Smyrna; and American Legion Ambulance 64, which serves the Smyrna-Clayton community.

The route was planned from Second Street in Wilmington to I-95 south, then south on Route 1 to the north Smyrna exit, south on Route 13, west on Commerce Street in Smyrna, then south on Main Street to the funeral home.

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Wilson said Chief Pridemore was honored by first responders by coming to attention and rendering a hand salute as he was taken from the medical examiner’s office and placed into the hearse for transport to the funeral home, where he was again saluted by firefighters, police and ambulance crews.

The procession included motorcycle units from many Delaware police departments, while many Delaware fire companies honored Pridemore at overpasses along the route.

“This is a very large and complex operation and without the assistance of the Clayton police, Wilmington, New Castle County, and Delaware State Police as well as many others it would just not be possible,” Wilson said. 

He said the members and officers of the Clayton Fire Company thanked all the first responders as well as the public and apologized for any inconvenience caused by the event.