Chesapeake Utilities opens new safety training facility

March 3, 2025 By Sydney Fischer

Chesapeake Utilities Corp., a diversified energy delivery company, opened its second Safety Town training facility on Feb. 27 in DeBary, Florida.

Chesapeake Utilities’ Florida Safety Town provides the company’s Florida operations teams with hands-on and classroom training, enabling collaboration with first responders and other community partners.

(From left) Will Haffecke, assistant vice president of Florida operations; Johnny Hill, manager of operations at Florida Public Utilities Company; Karen Chasez, mayor of DeBary; State Senator Tom Wright (R- Port Orange); Carmen Rosmonda, city manager of DeBary; Robert Lindemann, Lake Mary fire chief; Cindy Morgan, Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association Foundation chair; Jeff Householder, president and CEO of Chesapeake Utilities; Veronica Thomas, gas operations supervisor; and Justin Pettry, gas operations supervisor. (Photo: Vanessa Cayzedo, Chesapeake Utilities Corp.) — (From left) Will Haffecke, assistant vice president of Florida operations; Johnny Hill, manager of operations at Florida Public Utilities; Karen Chasez, mayor of DeBary; state Sen. Tom Wright (R-Port Orange); Carmen Rosmonda, city manager of DeBary; Robert Lindemann, Lake Mary fire chief; Cindy Morgan, Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association Foundation chair; Jeff Householder, president and CEO of Chesapeake Utilities; Veronica Thomas, gas operations supervisor; and Justin Pettry, gas operations supervisor. (Photo: Vanessa Cayzedo, Chesapeake Utilities Corp.)

The 1-acre center was modeled after Chesapeake Utilities’ Safety Town training facility in Dover, Delaware, and features specialized learning environments, including:

Simulations for hit line and gas leaks
Service hook-ups
Utility locating
Leak detection
Corrosion monitoring

The facility houses technology-equipped training rooms, equipment and vehicle storage areas, and multiple training houses that present various real-life safety scenarios.

“This facility underscores our dedication to safety, for our employees and the communities we serve across Florida. Safety Town’s specialized training environments provide invaluable, hands-on preparation for our team members and local first responders,” says Jeff Sylvester, senior vice president and COO. “It allows for seamless classroom instruction and the ability to practice skills immediately.”

(Photo: Vanessa Cayzedo, Chesapeake Utilities Corp.)

According to the company, the curriculum at Safety Town is designed to enhance technical expertise and emergency preparedness through comprehensive training programs, including:

Emergency response coordination
Main installation, repair and maintenance
Underground utility line locating and excavation safety
Infrastructure integrity inspections
Valve recognition and operation
Meter and regulating station meter installation and repairs
Propane tank training

As the facility evolves, additional training areas will be identified, and the curriculum will continue to expand to meet industry needs, the company says.

Chesapeake Utilities made a charitable contribution to a local nonprofit organization at the launch of its new facilities. During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, a $10,000 check was presented to the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association Foundation.

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, those in attendance were offered tours and safety demonstrations, highlighting the training opportunities available through the new facilities. The company’s natural gas and electric mobile training units were also on display. These units allow on-site safety training for contractors and community first-responder teams throughout the company’s service territories.

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