Dean joined the Mill Creek Fire Company at the age of 17 as a member of Explorer Post 921, marking the beginning of a long and dedicated career in fire service. Over the years, Dean has actively contributed to the organization, serving on numerous committees including Fire Prevention, Membership, Picnic, Building & Grounds, Archive, House Rules, Bylaws, Fundraiser, Budget, Parade, Trucks & Ambulance Replacement, Kids Christmas Party, and Banquet. Notably, he also chaired the Building Committee for Station 2 in Pike Creek, overseeing its successful construction.

Dean has held several key office positions within the company, starting as Assistant Sergeant of Arms and progressing to Sergeant of Arms. His leadership extended to several years on the Board of Directors, and he also served as the Public Information Officer (PIO). Dean’s commitment to leadership is evident in his tenure as Vice President from 1987 to 1989 and as President from 1990 to 1991. Operationally, he has served as Fire Captain and both 1st and 2nd Assistant Chief from 2002 to 2010.

Throughout his service, Dean has been recognized with multiple honors, including several Unit Citations, the Chief’s Award in 2006, and the Medal of Valor in 2009. His contributions extend beyond Mill Creek, where he has represented the company as an Alternate and Delegate for the New Castle County Volunteer Firefighters Association (NCVFA), Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association (DVFA), Del-Mar-Va Volunteer Firefighters Association (Del-Mar-Va-VFA), and the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association (CVVFA).

Dean’s leadership on a broader scale is highlighted by his roles as Director and President of the Cumberland Valley Firemen’s Association in 2004 and the Delaware Valley Fire Chiefs Association in 2012. His lifelong commitment to fire service is further recognized through his Life Memberships in the Mill Creek Fire Company, Cumberland Valley Firemen’s Association, and Delaware Valley Chiefs Association.