At our monthly meeting on October 4, 2023, the Officers of the Delaware State Fire Chiefs Association attended our meeting to recognize Chief Emeritus Jamie Rosseel for his Heroic Actions for a house fire in St. Georges Heights on February 26, 2022.

DSFCA President Andy Jones along with his fellow Officers presented Chief Emeritus Rosseel with his Meritorious Service Award.  The awared was presented in front of our membership and also his family.

Congratulations to Chief Emeritus Jamie Rosseel on this presitguous recognition for you Heroic Actions, we are very proud of you!!!

Here is the letter presented by Chief Allan MacKenzie:

Members of the selection committee:

Early on the morning of February 26, 2022, Stations 15, 29, SQ12, L12, L18, E28, Rescue4, were alerted to a house fire at 3 Center St. in North St. Georges. Multiple calls from neighbors had been reported with fire showing.

158C, Chief Emeritus James “Jamie” Rosseel responded, and since he would have had to pass the scene, went directly to the scene. Upon his arrival, neighbors advised that they were unsure if the resident was out of the house or not. Along with a few New Castle County Police officers, Chief Rosseel forced entry to the front door of the residence and were immediately met with heavy smoke. Chief Rosseel got into a prone position and began searching the floor inside the front door for any possible victims. Chief Rosseel located the occupant, advised the Police officers that he had, and began trying to remove themselves from the structure.

Squad 15 arrived and the crew assisted the County Officers in removing Chief Rosseel and the occupant from the structure, and onto the front lawn. Chief Rosseel immediately began resuscitative measures, assisted by the County Officers. Chief Rosseel directed the County Officers in providing Bag Valve Mask rescue breathing while continuing compressions. A6 was the first BLS unit to arrive on scene, assisted Chief Rosseel in moving the occupant to their stretcher and into their ambulance for transport. Chief Rosseel rode with A6 and Medic 6 to CER during patient care and transfer.

The State Fire Marshall’s Office kept relaying information about the occupant’s condition, as she was transferred to Crozer burn center. Unfortunately, the occupant ultimately succumbed to her injuries. The act of heroism truly stands with Chief Rosseel, who not only searched for a victim, but continued to stay with that person until transfer at the Emergency Department.

Chief Rosseel called on his years of experience and knowledge of fire behavior and victim behavior to realize that most victims are found within reach of a door or window. True to form, Chief Rosseel was determined in his mission to get the victim to a safe area and provide medical care.

Chief Rosseel has had continuous dedication to the citizens of Delaware City and its surrounding areas, as well as those of New Castle County as a Fire/EMS dispatcher for many years. I believe Chief Rosseel will continue to dedicate his service to the citizens of New Castle County for years to come.

It is for the above actions, I wish for you to consider Chief Emeritus James “Jamie” D. Rosseel for the 2022 Firefighter of the Year. It would be my pleasure to answer any further questions.

Respectfully,

Allan T. MacKenzie II

Fire Chief