Fire and rescue crews from Clayton and Smyrna are planning a procession today at about 11 a.m., from Wilmington to Smyrna for the dignified transfer service for Clayton Fire Chief John Pridemore.
Clayton Fire Company spokesman Kevin Wilson said the procession will start from the state medical examiner’s office in Wilmington and end 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 will go from 2nd 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.
More:Clayton fire chief and town manager John Pridemore remembered as community servant, friend
“While at the medical examiner’s office members will honor Chief Pridemore by coming to attention and rendering a hand salute as he is removed from the medical examiner’s office and placed into the hearse for transport to the funeral home,” said Wilson. “Upon arriving at the funeral home the same honors will be given again.”
The procession will include motorcycle units from many Delaware police departments.
Delaware fire companies are planning to be at each overpass along the route to honor Pridemore.
“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,” said Wilson.
He said the members and officers of the Clayton Fire Company thank all the first responders as well as the public and apologize for any inconvenience this transfer many cause.
Pridemore’s funeral service will be Tuesday, March 15 at the Clayton Firehouse with visitation from 10 a.m. to noon followed by a full firefighter’s funeral at noon.
More:‘Full firefighter’s funeral’ service announced for Clayton fire chief and town manager
Reach reporter Ben Mace at rmace@gannett.com.
