Andrew Harper nominated to New Castle County Fire and Ambulance Advisory Board

Andrew Harper, a volunteer firefighter and former department leader with Aetna Fire Company, was introduced July 21 to the New Castle County Boards and Commissions Subcommittee as the nominee for the Fire and Ambulance Advisory Board in District 5.

Harper told the subcommittee he was joining remotely from Wisconsin and apologized for a brief technical issue. "I'm actually in Wisconsin at the air show," he said, and added that he has lived in New Castle County since attending the University of Delaware, and has served with Aetna Fire Company since 2012 in roles including captain and deputy chief and as a director for a year. "Serving as a firefighter has always been my passion," he said, adding that he wants to help integrate volunteer fire companies more closely with county operations and to support fire companies seeking funding.

Committee members who introduced and discussed the nomination praised Harper's resume and experience and invited him to speak. The chair noted that the subcommittee would not vote on the appointment that day and told Harper: he "doesn't need to be present" for the formal vote, which is scheduled for next Tuesday; staff will follow up afterward.

The subcommittee also handled routine business: members moved to approve the June 16 minutes, the motion passed by aye voice vote, and the meeting adjourned after a brief check for additional comments. The chair said assistant Ken Hempel will take the minutes for the July 21 meeting.

No public comment was recorded online during this meeting. The nomination of Harper will be put to a formal vote at the full committee session next Tuesday.