DELAWARE - The Delaware State Police have arrested two former Millville volunteer firefighters following a hate crime investigation.
According to police, firefighters contacted investigators on April 9 regarding an unreported hate crime that reportedly occurred at their station. Police say Jay Droney, 27, of Millville, and Jordan Hastings, 23, of Delmar chased a Millville Volunteer Fire Company employee around the station with a rope tied in the shape of a noose in February 2024. Droney made a racist comment during the incident, according to police, and continued to make racist comments to the victim on several occasions afterwards.
Following their investigation, police obtained arrest warrants for both Droney and Hastings on April 15, 2025. Police say they are no longer members of the Millville Volunteer Fire Company.
Droney and Hastings both turned themselves into police and were charged with the following:
-Hate Crime (Felony)
-Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
-Harassment
In a statement released on Wednesday, April 16, the Millville Volunteer Fire Company said they are taking the matter seriously.
"We understand that incidents of racial harassment not only harm the individuals directly involved but also deeply affect our entire community," the Fire Company said. "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."
The Millville Fire Company says they launched an internal investigation upon learning of the allegations and permanently revoked Hastings' and Droney's memberships.
The Fire Company will be implementing an anti-harassment/discrimination training program and review current policies, according to Millville Volunteer Fire Company officials.