Chesapeake Utilities Celebrates 5 Years of Life-Saving Safety Training

Chesapeake Utilities Celebrates 5 Years of Life-Saving Safety Training

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is marking a significant milestone in its commitment to safety training with the five-year anniversary of its Safety Town training facility in Dover, Delaware. Celebrated on August 11, 2025, the event brought together employees, first responders, government officials, and community partners in a spirit of collaboration and commitment to safety. Launched back in 2020, Safety Town has since become a cornerstone for natural gas safety education, offering an immersive, hands-on learning environment that has successfully trained over 1,200 emergency personnel and hosted more than 200 training events.

Across the region, the impact of the Safety Town model is notable. The facility has reached over 50 fire departments, municipalities, and support organizations in Maryland and Delaware. Notable training programs include classes on natural gas leak investigation, SCBA, CPR/AED/First Aid, and OSHA training, ensuring that first responders are expertly prepared for real-world challenges. During the anniversary celebration, Chesapeake Utilities also contributed $10,000 to the Delaware Volunteer Firefighter Association to support its scholarship fund, reflecting the company’s dedication to fostering local emergency response capabilities.

Expanding Horizons in Florida

Chesapeake Utilities is not resting on its laurels. With the recent inauguration of its second Safety Town facility in DeBary, Florida, the company is further expanding its safety training initiatives. The grand opening featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony that underscored the importance of hands-on training, especially for local first responders. Spanning one acre, the new center mirrors the original facility in Delaware while incorporating advanced simulations that address real-life safety challenges such as gas leaks and service hook-ups.

The training curriculum in Florida includes emergency response coordination, utility line installation and maintenance, and valve operation—all essential skills for effective emergency response. As the utility sector evolves, Chesapeake Utilities has plans to expand its offerings and facilities, reflecting a proactive stance in adapting to community needs. During the opening, attendees had the opportunity to tour the facility and witness safety demonstrations, which showcased innovative training methods, including mobile training units for on-site instruction.

Community Focus and Development

Chesapeake Utilities takes its community role seriously, making charitable donations during facility openings to support local causes. This commitment was echoed at the DeBary opening with contributions to the Fire Chiefs‘ Association Foundation aimed at bolstering support for fire and emergency service professionals. The mayor of DeBary expressed excitement about the facility’s potential to enhance community safety, aligning with the company’s mission to improve safety through rigorous training programs.

In a world where first responders are often the first to tackle natural gas emergencies such as leaks and fires, effective training is essential. To this end, other organizations like Unitil are also stepping up by offering interactive emergency training programs tailored for first responders. This collaborative approach enhances the safety and reliability of natural gas infrastructure, ensuring that those on the front lines of emergencies are well-prepared to protect lives and property.

As Chesapeake Utilities continues to lead the charge in safety training, both in Delaware and Florida, the ripple effects of their efforts will undoubtedly strengthen community resilience and safety for years to come. For more details on training opportunities or inquiries about Safety Town, interested parties can reach out directly to Anthony Coker, training coordinator II, at acoker@chpk.com.

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