Pair of volunteer firefighters arrested in connection to alleged hate crime

Hastings (left) and Droney

MILLVILLE, Del. – Two volunteer firefighters have been charged following a recent hate crime investigation.

Last week, detectives were contacted by the Millville Fire Company about a previously unreported hate crime that took place at their station. It was learned that in February 2024, two volunteer firefighters, identified as 27-year-old Jay Droney and 23-year-old Jordan Hastings, chased a Millville Volunteer Fire Company employee around the fire station with a rope tied in the shape of a noose. During the incident, Droney allegedly made a racist comment to the victim.

It was further learned that Droney continued making racist comments to the victim on several occasions following the initial incidents. Warrants were obtained for both suspects.

Droney turned himself in and was released on his own recognizance after being charged with hate crime, second degree conspiracy, and harassment. Hastings also turned himself in and was released on his own recognizance on the same charges.