Police, fire chiefs report recovery operation, multiple incidents and training milestones

Seaford — City public‑safety leaders reported a busy recent period that included a recovery operation at Williams Pond, two forest fires and several notable police incidents.

Vice Mayor Dan Henderson relayed Fire Chief Matt Reed's summary: the fire department recorded 465 year‑to‑date fire calls and 1,566 EMS calls; April accounted for 95 fire calls and 364 EMS calls. The fire department responded to forest fires on Figs Road and Craig's Mill Road and assisted with the recovery of a body in Williams Pond.

On the police side, Vice Mayor Henderson presented Police Chief Marshall Craft's report, which listed 173 crimes during the period (including nine felonies and 37 misdemeanors), 22 complaints, 10 drug crimes and two search warrants. Notable incidents included assistance to Laurel for a large disturbance at Little Creek Apartments, an Election Day second‑degree assault and a shots‑fired complaint at Devel's Bagel Cafe with investigators finding no evidence of gunfire.

Henderson also noted department morale and training milestones: officers completed SWAT school and supervisory courses, and the department held an awards ceremony recognizing warrant officers and civilian staff.

Why it matters: The incidents and response levels affect community safety and departmental resource planning. The body recovery and large‑crowd disturbance responses involved mutual‑aid or multi‑agency coordination.

What’s next: The reports were informational; council did not take action on these items during the meeting.

Speakers referenced in this article: Matt Reed; Marshall Craft; Dan Henderson.