Media Release

Sunday, August 22, 2021

Wilmington Manor, DE – Earlier today, Sunday, August 22nd, the Wilmington Manor Volunteer Fire Company was informed of the tragic loss of Firefighter Cecelia Escobar-Duplan, 25, who succumbed to traumatic injuries she sustained while assisting a motorist on Interstate 95 in Wilmington at around 4:15 this morning. Cecelia came upon a vehicle that had spun out of control and was attempting to render assistance to the occupant. She was struck by another passing vehicle and transported to the emergency room where she died due to her injuries. Cecelia Escobar-Duplan had joined the Wilmington Manor Volunteer Fire Company in June 2018 as a probationary member and achieved full senior member status in June 2019. She acquired her Firefighting and basic medical training, and was actively riding the Ambulance as an apprentice. She was registered to start the Emergency Medical Technician Course this fall to acquire her State and National Registry certifications. Cecelia was employed as a Security Officer at West Chester University, while also attending there to finish her Criminal Justice undergraduate degree after previously acquiring an Associates in Criminal Justice at Delaware Technical and Community College. “Cecelia was a very enthusiastic and charismatic person that was continually improving her skills to grow in the Department and within her life and community”, says President Ronald T. Hopkins. “We are saddened by this loss, and are in contact with her family to provide any support while they deal with their grief.” Cecilia was not married and has no children, however, has very close knit siblings and parents. Funeral Arrangements are in progress, and details will be forthcoming once they are finalized. The Department is in communication with the Delaware Volunteer Firefighter’s Association concerning any support and contact with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

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