The tragic passing of Thomas “Tommy” Berry III at the age of 23 has left a big void. The Milford High School Class of 2019 graduate was devoted to public service as a member of both the Ellendale and Georgetown fire companies, and also served as a logistics technician with Sussex County Emergency Medical Services.
His life was cut short when he stopped Aug. 13 to help a motorist involved in a crash along Route 9. His last act was a reflection of how he lived his life – to help others, regardless of the risk.
His sacrifice reminds us how fragile life is and highlights the importance of local volunteer first responders.
Berry’s untimely passing should serve as a reminder of how vital it is for all of us to support our volunteer firefighters financially.
We urge Sussex County Council to enact a fire protection ordinance in his memory as soon as possible. Funds collected will be distributed to county fire departments on top of what the county already budgets for emergency services.
Our volunteer firefighters, EMTs and paramedics are the ones who put the safety of others above their own as they answer calls, which are drastically increasing with population growth. Just like Berry, they respond and help, day or night. Their sacrifice should not be taken for granted.
Hundreds of Berry’s fellow firefighters and EMS personnel gathered Aug. 22 at Crossroad Community Church to pay tribute to their fallen comrade. A processional followed the service to the sites that were so important to Berry – Georgetown Fire Company, Sussex County EMS and finally, his last call at Ellendale Fire Company.
It’s fitting that Berry was given a hero’s farewell.
Berry leaves behind a large family including his mother, Jayme Romo, father, Thomas W. Berry II and sister Madison as well as grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, many with roots in Sussex County.
We join with his family and friends, his fellow firefighters and Sussex EMS staff in mourning the loss of this young man who was taken far too soon.
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Editorials are considered and written by Cape Gazette Editorial Board members, including Publisher Chris Rausch, Editor Jen Ellingsworth, News Editor Nick Roth and reporters Ron MacArthur and Chris Flood.
