Two Delaware firefighters arrested in hate crime investigation

GEORGETOWN, Del. (WPHL) — Delaware State Police Detectives arrested two men on Wednesday following the conclusion of a hate crime investigation.

According to Delaware State Police, Troopers were contacted by the Millville Volunteer Fire Company administration last week about an alleged previously unreported hate crime that occurred at the station last year.

During the investigation, detectives learned that in February 2024, two volunteer firefighters, identified as Jay Droney, 27, of Millville, and Jordan Hastings, 23, of Delmar, allegedly chased a Millville Volunteer Fire Company employee around the fire station with a rope tied in the shape of a noose. Droney also allegedly made a racist comment to the victim and continued to make additional racist comments following the initial incident.

Detectives obtained warrants for Droney and Hastings on April 15, 2025. Both turned themselves in at Delaware State Police Troop 4 and are facing hate crime, conspiracy, and harassment charges.

The Millville Volunteer Fire Company has acknowledged the alleged incident and released the following statement:

The Millville Volunteer Fire Company (MVFC) is dedicated to fostering and maintaining trust within our community, among our members, and with our employees. Trust is crucial for facilitating open communication, allowing everyone’s voice to be heard without hesitation. Additionally, MVFC affirms everyone should be treated fairly and respectfully and feel safe. That said, we have recently been made aware of an incident involving racial harassment within our company.

We’re taking this matter very seriously. We understand that incidents of racial harassment not only harm the individuals directly involved but also deeply affect our entire community. Such behavior is unacceptable and goes against our core values of honor, respect, valor and inclusion. We are committed to standing together in solidarity against hatred and discrimination, ensuring that all members feel valued and safe within our organization.

After becoming aware of the allegations that an employee had been racially harassed by volunteer members, the Millville Volunteer Fire Company (MVFC) promptly initiated an internal investigation. Our findings provided sufficient evidence to notify and involve the Delaware State Police. MVFC identified two volunteer members accused of racially harassing behavior towards an employee. As a result of that internal investigation, the MVFC has decided to permanently revoke the memberships of the two volunteer members. They are no longer members of the fire company. It is important to note that the Delaware State Police has arrested the two individuals connected to the matter, both charged with hate crimes.

MVFC acted decisively and swiftly and will not tolerate this kind of behavior. Moving forward, we will be implementing a Harassment/Discrimination Prevention and Reporting Training Program for Officers, Supervisors, Employees, and Members as soon as practical. Additionally, an immediate review of current policies is underway and will be updated accordingly.

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TIME-LINE OF EVENTS:

In the interest of transparency, here is the timeline of events:

• In February 2024,
  • an incident of racial harassment allegedly occurred, followed by continued verbal harassment.
• On April 9, 2025,
  • The administrative staff of MVFC was made aware of these allegations
  • MVFC investigation of the allegations began.
  • Two members were identified and suspended from all duties
  • MVFC notified the Delaware State Police.
  • MVFC notified the Delaware State Fire Commission.
• On April 10, 2025,
  • MVFC Board permanently revoked membership for the two individuals involved.
• On April 16, 2025,
  • Delaware State Police announced they have arrested the two Members and charged with hate crimes. 

We appreciate your understanding and support during this ongoing process.  

Thank you.
Gary Caunitis | Public Information Officer, Millville Volunteer Fire Company

Droney and Hastings are no longer members of the Millville Volunteer Fire Company.