Firefighter's service, enthusiasm recalled after fatal crash

Howard Alan Schweitzer held many titles in many places on Delmarva.

He was a firefighter, paramedic, rescue team member, town councilman and father in Delaware and Maryland.

And the more the 62-year-old dedicated himself to the Laurel and Ocean City communities, the more he made an impact.

Outpourings of grief and memorials reverberated around the region Thursday after Schweitzer died in a motorcycle crash.

"It's a time for us as his fire department family to reflect on his life and what he meant to each of us," said Ryan Whittington, deputy fire marshal with the Ocean City Fire Department and president of IAFF local chapter 4269.

Schweitzer was riding his motorcycle northbound on East Trap Pond Road near Georgetown when a Ford Explorer pulled out in front of him from a stop sign on West Piney Grove Road, said Sgt. Richard Bratz, a spokesman for the Delaware State Police.

Schweitzer could not have avoided the SUV, and was thrown off the motorcycle on impact, Bratz said.

STORY: Town councilman and firefighter dies in motorcycle crash

'It's just what he wanted to do'

Before police had confirmed details of the incident, local fire departments were posting news of Schweitzer's passing on Facebook, grieving their loss.

Schweitzer was one of the firefighters who inspired Whittington to continue his career serving in the fire department when the two worked together in Laurel.

"Alan would get off his shift in Ocean City and he would stop by the firehouse (in Laurel) in the morning, have coffee and chat," Whittington said. "He loved working in Ocean City. He loved being a paramedic, loved being a firefighter. It's just what he wanted to do.

"I saw that enthusiasm in Alan and knowing that this guy comes in and he talks about how awesome his job is in Ocean City, and I thought that's where I want to work."

Schweitzer touched many lives in the fire services, and they "were humbled by his kindness and compassion," Whittington added.

He had a greeting and a smile for everyone in the department, and a lot of enthusiasm for the job, Whittington said.

"Fortunately, I had the opportunity to work in Ocean City and the opportunity for many years to work with Alan on ambulance calls and fire calls," he said.

When the news reached Ocean City, members of Schweitzer's shift immediately went to Laurel to see his family, Whittington said.

"It's not just about us being there now, immediately after his loss, but as his firefighter family we're going to make sure that his family is taken care of — because they're our family, too," Whittington said.

Schweitzer was a 17-year veteran and member of the fire department's A-Shift, as "a brother and friend to his colleagues in the fire house," said Jessica Waters, communications manager for the Town of Ocean City, in press release.

Ocean City Assistant Chief Eric Peterson also started his career in OC with Schweitzer.

“Sometimes there are no words to express the feelings of sadness and grief you have, and the sudden loss of Alan Schweitzer is one of those instances,” said Peterson in the press release.

Loss of a member of 'fire service family'

“He was a brother to all of us in the fire service and our hearts are broken by his passing,” said Capt. Nick Kinhart, Schweitzer's supervisor, in the release. “We will miss his stories about his family, in particular his grandson Toby.”

“The department lost a member of its fire service family," said Ocean City Fire Chief Chris Larmore in the release. "Our deepest sympathies go out to Alan’s family, and our prayers for comfort and peace will remain with them through the days ahead.”

Laurel firefighters mourned Schweitzer on Thursday and Friday as well.

"He had a kind heart and a gentle soul," said Laurel Fire Chief Tim West. "The department and the community have suffered a great loss today. He will be greatly missed."

Schweitzer had been a 27-year veteran of the Laurel Fire Department and was a mentor to younger firefighters, West added.

Schweitzer, who was two months away from retirement from the Ocean City Fire Department, had plans to spend more time in Laurel, working with that fire department and serving as a member of the Town Council. Schweitzer had just been sworn in as councilman-at-large for Laurel's Ward 3 on April 17.

John Shwed, mayor of Laurel, had known Schweitzer since they were young.

"He had served on the council before and left us for awhile," Shwed said. "We were glad to have him back. He was all excited to be sitting on the council again and taking his place and moving Laurel forward. He was a really good guy."

Yajira Quintana-Tinoco, 31, of Seaford, drove directly into the path of Schweitzer's motorcycle Thursday, police said.

Quintana-Tinoco has been charged with death by motor vehicle and failing to remain stopped, police said. She was released on unsecured bond, Bratz said.

The charge of death by motor vehicle carries a maximum penalty for first offense of a $1,150 fine and 30 months in jail.

dferrar@delmarvanow.com

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