Firefighter, 23, killed while assisting driver in vehicle crash in Georgetown
Berry also worked for Sussex EMS
By Glenn RolfeGEORGETOWN — Sussex County is remembering a young public servant who lost his life Tuesday while rendering aid to a motorist involved in a vehicle collision.
Thomas “Tommy” Wilson Berry III, 23, died just before 4:30 p.m., after stopping to assist with the crash on U.S. 9, east of Georgetown, according to a Sussex County press release.
Delaware State Police reported Wednesday that Mr. Berry had stopped at the incident, which involved two vehicles, and was helping a motorist, when a utility pole snapped, bringing down electrical wires.
As a result, Mr. Berry sustained life-threatening injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said, adding that the state Division of Forensic Science will determine the official cause of death.
Since 2022, Mr. Berry had been a logistics technician for Sussex County Emergency Medical Services. He also was a volunteer firefighter with the Georgetown and Ellendale fire companies.
Officials said his training likely spurred him into action when he came across the collision on his way back to county offices from a field assignment.
“We are beyond heartbroken at this loss of such a dedicated and caring young man who exemplified public service until his last moments on this earth,” stated County Council President Michael H. Vincent, a lifelong member of the fire service.
“His selfless act in a moment of need is one that will be long remembered by his friends and colleagues and by all of us at County government. As tragic as this loss of life is, his heroism is something we should all ... be proud of and thankful for, and we hold his family, co-workers, and all his brothers and sisters in the fire service in our hearts and prayers in this most difficult time.”
U.S. 9 in the area was closed for approximately 12 hours.
Also Tuesday, a procession of public safety personnel and vehicles made its way past the Georgetown Fire Co., as Mr. Berry’s body was transferred to the Division of Forensic Science, according to the release.
Meantime, county flags have been lowered to half-staff in the volunteer’s honor. And county administrator Todd F. Lawson noted that grief counselors would be available to comfort colleagues.
Police said the crash occurred at 4:24 p.m. and involved a Chevrolet Malibu, driven by a 37-year-old Salisbury, Maryland, man and a Toyota Camry, operated by a 54-year-old Milton woman.
A preliminary investigation has found that both cars were traveling east on U.S. 9, and the Malibu attempted to pass the Camry. When the Malibu reentered the eastbound lane ahead of the Camry, its right side sideswiped the left side of the Camry, veered off the road and struck the utility pole, police said.
The driver of the Malibu was taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Camry was not injured.
