Wilmington: Following the line of duty death of Ardythe Hope, a Wilmington firefighter who has been fighting for her life at Crozer Chester Medical Center following the fateful September 24th row home fire on Lakeview Drive, Mayor Dennis P. Williams office released the following statement.
Mayor Williams mourns the loss of the third firefighter to lose their life while serving in the line of duty related to the Lakeview Road arson fire
The City of Wilmington announces the public viewing and funeral arrangements for Senior Firefighter Ardythe Hope, who passed away on Thursday, December 1, 2016.
The public viewing will be held at the Chase Center on the Riverfront, 815 Justison Street, on Saturday, December 10, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. The memorial and funeral services will commence at 1:00 p.m., and the Hope family will have a reception at the Chase Center immediately following the service.
Following the passing of Senior Firefighter Hope, Mayor Dennis P. Williams, immediately offered condolences to the family and issued the following statement:
“Today our hearts are broken as we mourn the loss of Senior Firefighter Ardythe Hope. There is no greater sacrifice than bravely risking your life to save the life of another. Firefighter Hope did just that on September 24th. On behalf of the City of Wilmington, I offer my deepest condolences to Firefighter Hope’s family, children, friends, loved ones, and fellow brothers and sisters of the Wilmington Fire Department. While our hearts are heavy, our resolve to honor Firefighter Hope remains strong. On that fateful day, Wilmington lost three firefighters in the line of duty as they courageously faced that tragic fire. May we never forget how they proudly served our city, and may we pay tribute to how they gave the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow man,” said Mayor Dennis P. Williams.
In lieu of flowers, the Hope family has asked that all donations be made to the Wilmington Police and Fire Credit Union, 1701 Shallcross Avenue, Suite B, Wilmington, Delaware 19806, Attention: Ardythe Hope Account.
For more information regarding the public funeral and memorial services, please contact Battalion Chief James R. Jobes, Support Services- Administration/Public Information Officer, at (302) 576-3180.
