Lewes Fire Department elects Bill Henry Buckaloo as new fire chief
LEWES, Del. – The Lewes Fire Department has elected a familiar face to run their department, Bill Henry Buckaloo, a member that caused a bit of controversy in the past that resulted in his suspension.
Buckaloo, a longtime member of the Lewes Fire Department who previously served in a number of leadership roles including fire chief, has yet again found himself back at the helm. He was elected to the position earlier this week despite being suspended in 2020 for using an offensive gay slur on social media to describe a drag show he attended.
Four years later, Lewes Fire Department spokesman Glenn Marshall tells our Rob Petree that Buckaloo is the right person to lead the department.
“Our comment is basically that he was elected by the membership based on his 42 years of experience, and his dedication to the community both inside and outside of the department,” Marshall said. “We look forward to his leadership in 2025.”
When it comes to their decision to elect Buckaloo, Marshall said there were no concerns raised with regard to what happened in the past. And with it being in the past, local LGBTQ groups like Sussex Pride have since moved past it.
“Bill listened and apologized and so for those reasons I think both of us consider this matter closed,” Sussex Pride Executive Director David Mariner said in a statement. “That said, we remain vigilant and will continue to speak out against incidents.”
Meanwhile, CAMP Rehoboth also issued a statement saying they look forward to working with Buckaloo.
“CAMP Rehoboth looks forward to working together with Chief Buckaloo and the entire Lewes Fire Department to ensure all community members, including LGBTQ+ persons, feel safe and affirmed, especially in the time of need or emergency,” CAMP Rehoboth Communications Manager Matty Brown said in a statement responding to Buckaloo’s election.
WMDT News did reach out to Buckaloo for comment, but Marshall said he was speaking for both the incoming Chief and the Department.
