Firefighters are mourning the loss of Clayton's fire chief who died after falling at the fire station.
John M. Pridemore was taking part in station cleaning duties on March 7 when he was injured in a fall. He died at Christiana Hospital March 8, according to a statement from the fire company.
When Pridemore joined the Clayton Fire Company in January 1991, he said “he wanted to serve the community he lived in."
His full-time career was town manager for the Town of Clayton.
Through the years, Pridemore served in several roles, including president, vice president, lieutenant, captain, assistant chief and deputy chief. In 2021, he was elected fire chief. He was active outside the department, and in 2013 served as president of the Kent County Volunteer Firefighter’s Association.
He served as a military police officer with the Delaware National Guard.
He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, daughter Amanda, son Michael, and a granddaughter.
Donations be made to the Clayton Fire Company, PO Box 1050, Clayton, DE 19938. Please note that it is in Chief Pridemore’s memory.
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