MILLVILLE, Del. — Delaware State Police arrested two former Millville Volunteer Fire Company members, Jay Droney, 27, of Millville, and Jordan Hastings, 23, of Delmar, on April 15, 2025, following a hate crime investigation. The arrests stem from a February 2024 incident at the Millville fire station, where the two allegedly chased a coworker with a rope tied as a noose while Droney made racist remarks. Droney, recently joined to the La Plata Volunteer Fire Department in Maryland, was suspended immediately upon notification of his arrest.
The incident, unreported until April 9, 2025, when Millville Volunteer Fire Company administration contacted Delaware State Police Troop 4 Major Crimes Detectives, occurred at the station at 35554 Atlantic Ave. According to police, Droney and Hastings pursued an employee with the noose-shaped rope, and Droney directed a racist comment at the victim during the incident. Further investigation revealed Droney made additional racist remarks to the victim on multiple occasions afterward, as reported by Delaware State Police.
Detectives obtained arrest warrants on April 15, 2025. Both suspects turned themselves in at Troop 4, where they were charged with Hate Crime (Felony), Second Degree Conspiracy (Felony), and Harassment. They were arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3 and released on their own recognizance. The Millville Volunteer Fire Company, upon learning of the allegations, conducted an internal investigation, terminated Droney’s and Hastings’ memberships on April 10, and notified authorities, per their statement.
Droney joined the La Plata Volunteer Fire Department in Charles County, Maryland, on April 7, 2025. A standard background check conducted during onboarding showed no pending charges, as the Delaware incident had not yet been reported. Upon learning of Droney’s arrest on April 16, La Plata immediately suspended him from all department activities pending an internal investigation.
“The La Plata Volunteer Fire Department takes all allegations of this nature with the utmost seriousness,” said Travis Yates, President of the La Plata Volunteer Fire Department. “We do not condone any form of hate, harassment, or behavior that is contrary to the values of public service. Our organization holds its members to the highest ethical and professional standards and remains committed to providing the best emergency services to the citizens of Charles County.”
The Millville Volunteer Fire Company announced plans to implement a Harassment/Discrimination Prevention and Reporting Training Program and review its policies, as noted by WBOC. The La Plata Volunteer Fire Department, serving Charles County with a fleet including a 2020 Pierce Enforcer Rescue-Engine, emphasized its commitment to community trust.
For information on the Delaware investigation, contact Delaware State Police Troop 4 at 302-752-3856. For inquiries about La Plata’s response, reach the department at 301-934-9201 or info@laplatafiredepartment.com.
