Indian River Elects New Fire Chief – Hayden F. Klingler

On Wednesday, January 2, 2019, the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company installed its newly elected Fire Chief – Hayden F. Klingler.

In 2019, Hayden Klingler will reach his 50-year milestone for volunteerism and participation within the Delaware Volunteer Fire Service.  Chief Klingler has been affiliated with the Holloway Terrace Fire Company http://www.ht20fc.com/ in New Castle County since 1969 where he has held an Assistant Engineer position.  In 1979, Chief Klingler relocated to Christiana Fire Company http://www.christianafc.org/ in New Castle County and fulfilled various offices including but not limited to:  Board of Director, Assistant Engineer, Chief Engineer, Ladder Captain, Rescue Captain, Assistant Chief, and Deputy Chief.  Chief Klingler has been awarded Life Memberships in both of these previous volunteer fire companies.

Hayden has been responding with the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company since the early 2000’s and actually joined in 2005 and has held the following positions including but not limited to:  1^st Assistant Chief, 2^nd Assistant Chief, Ladder Captain and has served on numerous committees including Accident Investigation & Evaluation, Truck Acquisition, Junior Membership.  Chief Klingler has been awarded the Hurst – Jaws of Life – Green Cross Award, Top Incident Responder, and Firefighter of the Year.

Chief Klingler has just completed his initial Presidency term with the Sussex County Volunteer Firefighters Association where he currently holds a Board of Director Position.  He also is a member of the Delaware Valley Chief’s Association.

Chief Klingler brings a multitude of experience to the table and enjoys actively pursuing leadership and training roles within Delaware’s volunteer fire service.

Chief Klingler is excited about his new role within Indian River and looks forward to working with each and every member of the organization.  Chief Klingler inaugural term as Chief represents the twenty-sixth (26) person to serve as Indian River's Fire Chief.