Chief: Female Delaware Firefighter Who Died From Arson Fire Was Planning To Retire
WILMINGTON, Del. (CBS) -- Wilmington Fire Chief Anthony Goode says Ardythe Hope, who died months after a fire killed two other firefighters, was planning to retire in January to become a nurse.
Ardythe Hope, a single mother of three, died on Thursday after spending 68 days in the hospital, Chief Goode says.
The Sept. 24 fire, that also claimed the lives of Capt. Christopher Leach and Lt. Jerry Fickes Jr., was intentionally set, authorities said.
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Hope was a 23-year veteran of the department. Goode says she is the first female line-of-duty death in the department's history, and the second African-American death.
"She was a fighter," Goode said. "A wonderful woman and mother. You have to be to be a female firefighter in a male-dominated world."
Derrick Edmond, her fiancé, tells Eyewitness News, "She was a great woman. She was the best thing that happened to my life."
Edmond came into Hope's life four years ago, and the two got engaged last year.
"My mind is just so worried about the children," Edmond said.
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Hope became trapped when she was trying to rescue Leach and Fickes from the blaze.
"We love Ardy Hope, and we will always remember her and maintain her honor," Wilmington Fire Chief Anthony Goode said.
Jenine Tucker is dealing with the reality of losing her good friend.
"I was devastated," Tucker told CBS 3's David Spunt. "I couldn't even talk."
Beatriz Fana-Ruiz was charged had previously been charged with two counts of murder in the first degree, assault and arson in connection to the fire.
"She just doesn't realize how many people affect when she did this," Tucker said. "It's horrible. She's still here. Her family can see her."
"You took a wonderful woman that was a friend to a whole community," Edmond said.
Black bunting went up at different firehouses around Wilmington.
Goode said it's likely charges against Fana-Ruiz will be upgraded.
Vice President Joe Biden has been in contact with Hope's family and the fire department.
