Jacob Howser - Pocomoke City Vol. Firefighter

Saturday, March 25, 2017

from: Delmarvanow.com

Members of the Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Company are mourning the death of a 23-year-old comrade and EMT in a vehicle crash, as the Worcester County Sheriff's Office works to confirm the victim's identity.

Jacob Howser, an eight-year veteran firefighter at the Pocomoke fire company, died after his vehicle crashed on Scotty Road about 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 25, in the Snow Hill fire district, where he also was a part-time emergency medical technician, said Jerry Barbierri, public information officer for the Pocomoke fire company.

Lt. Edward Schreier at the sheriff's office said the name of the victim in the Scotty Road crash would be released after an examination by the office of the Maryland Medical Examiner, where the severely burned body pulled from the wreck was transported for an identification and cause of death.

Schreier acknowledged that the victim's pickup truck also "burned beyond recognition" after the driver crashed into a ditch and struck a tree. The pickup then was completely engulfed in flames, he said.

"I can't help what people are saying," the lieutenant said when asked to confirm Howser as the victim. The medical examiner should make a positive identification in a day or two, he said.

The Pocomoke company posted news of Howser's death on its Facebook page about 6 p.m. Saturday, March 25, calling him a "dedicated volunteer and public safety servant, for not only our town but southern Worcester County.

"Our dear brother, you will be missed," the post also reads.

The death hung a cloud over Saturday's Boat and Cash Bash that attracted 700 or more emotional supporters who crowded the Pocomoke firehouse for the company fundraiser.

The event  paid tribute to Howser, said Barbierri.

"Today, we had a huge event, sold over 1,000 tickets for the Boat Bash fundraiser that gave away a boat and other things," Barbierri said. "It was a trying day for all of us because of what happened. It was very much tempered by what went on with Jacob.

"He would have been here," the spokesman also said.

According to Schreier, the victim was traveling in an easterly direction on Scotty Road near Nassawongo Road toward Snow Hill when his pickup crossed the center lane, entered a ditch and then struck a tree before burning.

The Worcester Sheriff's Office is investigating, he said.

Howser knew as a high school student he wanted to be a firefighter and EMT, Barbierri said. The victim joined the Pocomoke fire company as a cadet in 2009 while a student at Pocomoke High School. He joined the company full-time after his 18th birthday and high school graduation in 2011.

In addition to his work as a part-time EMT at the Snow Hill fire department, Howser was a part-time EMT in Pocomoke City and at the Showell fire department in Showell. "He very much wanted to be in emergency services," Barbierri said

"He was a great kid," he also said. "He would do anything for you, and wanted to help the community. We were lucky to have had him as a member."

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