Fire Inspector Brian P. Waynant, Sr. was on duty with Arson Task Force...found dead WILMINGTON, DE (March 02, 2010) -- Wilmington Fire Chief Willie J. Patrick confirmed today that a city firefighter lost his life while on duty. Fire Inspector Brian P. Waymant, Sr. was found dead along the Amtrak line near the Browntown section of the city. Officials noted that Inspector Waymant was working as part of an arson detail, which was investigating gang-related fire incidents.
Decorated as a law enforcement officer and firefighter, Inspector Brian P. Waynant, Sr., moved to the Wilmington Fire Department in 2004 after a lengthy career as a Wilmington Police officer. Waynant was 45-years old.
Inspector Waynant was hit by an Amtrak train just south of the Wilmington city limits. The 911 center received a report from an Amtrak conductor who said that his train had just hit a person. Within minutes, firefighters from Engine-1 and Rescue-1 -- along with volunteers from Five Points and Newport -- responded to the scene and recovered Waynant's body alongside the tracks not far from Browntown.
Brian Waynant is survived by his wife, Cheri, and their two children, a son and a daughter. Inspector Waynant had served for 16 years as a Wilmington Police Officer before deciding in 2004 to leave the Police Department to join the Wilmington Fire Department as an arson investigator. During his career, Inspector Waynant initiated numerous arrests of suspects connected to fire incidents and was proud of his 100% conviction rate.
The City of Wilmington is assisting the Delaware State Police and Amtrak Police with the ongoing investigation of Monday night’s incident.
Personal Note: Brian was a Fire Explorer when I first joined the Mill Creek Fire Company. Ever since then, he has served the community in a career and volunteer capacity. He is sadly missed by his family, friends and colleagues.
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