Profile

Born:  12/18/1945

LODD:  8/22/2005

Burial:  Delaware Veterans Cemetery, Bear, Delaware

Fire Company:  Elsmere, Citizens' Hose Company of Smyrna, Robbins Hose Company of Dover, The Delaware State Fire School

Firefighter Young had responded to multiple incidents on April 2, 2005.  He remained at the fire station due to the approach of a storm, when at approximately 2045 hrs, he was preparing to descend from the 2^nd floor to the first floor by fire pole when he slipped, falling 12 feet to the floor below, sustaining serious leg injuries.  The wound failed to heal timely and properly.  While recovering at home, firefighter Young was discovered with CVA-like symptoms on August 20^th and was transported to the hospital, where he died on August 22, 2005. 

Phil was born in Wilmington, the son of the late Howard P. & Dr. Vera S. Young.  He lived in the Wilmington neighborhood of Westover Hills, attended The Friends School and graduated from Brandywine High School.  Phil was a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corp (1966 – 1972), serving in Vietnam where he was awarded with the National Defense Service medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Action ribbons, Vietnamese Service Medal with 3 stars, Vietnamese Campaign Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. 

Phil was an active member of the Elsmere Fire Company, Citizen’s Hose Company of Smyrna as well as the Robbins Hose Company of Dover.  Phil served as a training administrator at the Delaware State Fire School, serving as an instructor (72 – 74) and full time teaching the Emergency Care Program from 1974 until his retirement in August 2002.  At Elsmere, Phil served as Engine Captain in 1973 and attained Life Member status in 1990.  At Robbins Hose Company, Phil was very active and served on the Board of Directors and the camera committee.  When he wasn’t driving fire trucks, was there to capture the activities of the department and its members through his love of photography.  He was a mentor for young members and a brother to all. Mr. Young was one of the first NREMT B's in the state and served on the State Critical Incident Team.  The Delaware State EMS Association Lifetime Achievement Award was named in honor of Phil, who was one of the earliest EMS instructors in Delaware.  Phil was also a longtime producer of the annual Delaware Volunteer Firemen's Association Memorial Services, honoring deceased members at the annual DVFA Conference. 

Funeral services for Firefighter Phil Young were held Sunday, August 28, 2005 at the Dover Fire Department, Station 1.  Phil was laid to rest with firefighter and military honors at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear, New Castle County, Delaware.