New Memorial Park coming to Melfa

By Linda Cicoira

Melfa officials gave the green light to two local women this week who plan to turn a portion of the town park on Woodland Avenue into a playground that will memorialize and honor firefighters and rescuers from across the Eastern Shore.

Shellsey Reid and Brenda Jackson are the daughter and sister of the late Dean Reid, who was murdered at a holiday party in Deep Creek four years ago. He was a firefighter, EMT, and the pastor for Melfa Volunteer Fire & Rescue, and a hero. He also worked at other departments and for 9-1-1 as a dispatcher.

Reid was getting ready to leave the July 3, 2021, party to be on call at the firehouse so others could have some time off during the holiday weekend when he heard a fight brewing and attempted to calm things down. Frederick Barnes of Exmore pulled out a gun and murdered his mother and Reid, and tried to kill his sister.

“He was trying to de-escalate the situation,” Jackson said of Reid. “That was a public service. Fourteen other people were able to get away from” Barnes.  “Fourteen lives were saved that day,” she said.

The women aren’t stopping with Reid. They are thinking of other heroes like the late Steve Colonna of Melfa, who died answering a fire call in 1994 when the fire company’s water truck overturned, and the late Troy Justis, the decades-long chief of Melfa Rescue Squad. Justis and Dean Reid were brothers-in-law.

“We haven’t even had our first meeting yet,” Jackson said. “Now that we have the permission, we can get the ball rolling.” She wants all the fire companies and others to nominate or sponsor heroes and take part in building the park. “This is all brand new to us,” she said, welcoming everyone to join the committee and give input. She said they can make first contact with her at [email protected]

“I dream big,” she said. “I would love for there to be a groundbreaking by next July 4th,” which is the 250th birthday of this country, and five years since her brother’s death. She envisions a full lot of playground equipment where there’s now just grass and “nothing for little kids to play on,” for plaques to be erected naming the heroes, and for attention to be gained regarding the need for stiffer penalties for those convicted of killing firefighters, rescuers, and others who volunteer.

“There is nothing that can be done in Dean’s case,” his sister said. “But it may help another family that has suffered through what we did. I feel like firefighters are neglected … if their family loses them, their family loses their livelihood. There is no paying the family back.”

“They are just volunteering for the love of their communities,” Jackson continued. “That’s what makes them heroes from the get-go.”

      They plan to apply for grants and hold fundraising events like a “cut-a-thon” sponsored by local hairstylists, and donkey basketball, baseball, and races. Jackson said they could offer a flea market and free movies in the park with money-making concessions.