Clayton Fire Company Chief dead after fall while on duty

CLAYTON, Del. – The Clayton Fire Company has lost its leader following a tragic accident.

We’re told at around 6:40 p.m. on March 7th, Fire Chief John Pridemore was using a scissor lift to clean an upper portion of the North engine room bay. Chief Pridemore was reportedly injured when the bay door was opened, hitting the scissor lift and knocking the lift over, causing him to fall approximately 25 feet, hitting his head on the bumper of a piece of fire apparatus.

Several company EMTs were at the station at the time of the incident and began immediate life-saving measures. The State Police Helicopter was called and took Chief Pridemore to the Christiana Trauma Center where he later died.

Chief Pridemore served the Clayton Fire Company in many roles, with the most recent being elected as chief back in 2021. He is survived by his wife Kimberly, his daughter Amanda and her significant other Jorden, and son Michael, and his granddaughter Sadie.

Chief Pridemore’s family requests that any donations be made to the Clayton Fire Company, which has been placed out of service until the funeral services have been completed.

The fire district will be covered by surrounding fire companies in Delaware and Maryland.