Flags are at half-staff in Delaware in honor of a fallen EMS employee, firefighter

Flags are lowered to half-staff for a week in Delaware in honor of the death of a local EMS employee and volunteer firefighter.

Thomas “Tommy” Berry III, a 23-year-old logistic technician for Sussex County’s Emergency Medical Services and a volunteer firefighter/EMT with Georgetown and Ellendale fire companies, died in the afternoon of Aug. 13.

He stopped to help a driver who had crashed into a utility pole on Route 9 when the pole snapped, and electrical wires fell. Berry died on the scene, according to police.

In honor of his service, Gov. John Carney on Aug. 15 ordered Delaware flags to be lowered to half-staff at all state facilities until sunset on Aug. 22.

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“Most people run away from danger. And then there are an elite few who run toward dangerous situations to help others,” saidCarney. “Thomas Berry was one of those people, making the ultimate sacrifice to help a neighbor in need. Tracey and I are praying for Mr. Berry’s family, friends, coworkers in Sussex County, and fellow volunteers at the Georgetown and Ellendale fire companies.”

Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at kgriffin@delawareonline.com.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Flags are at half-staff in Delaware in honor of a fallen EMS employee, firefighter