Wilmington fire inspector killed by train

A long time Wilmington Police officer and firefighter was hit and killed by an Amtrak train while on duty.

An on duty Wilmington fire inspector was struck and killed by a train Monday night.   45 year old Brian Waynant  was struck  just before 10 PM Monday.  The incident happened on the tracks  just south of the city limits.  State Police say foul play is not suspected, and investigators are waiting for a report from the State Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause and manner of his death.

Wilmington city officials expressed their condolences to Waynant’s family, friends and colleagues in the fire police department.  “It saddens all of us to have to announce Inspector Waynant’s death,” Mayor Baker said in a statement released Tuesday morning.  “I would ask everyone to remember his family during this very difficult time as we recognize and remember his valuable service to the citizens of Wilmington.”

Before joining the Wilmington Fire Department in 2004, Waynant served for 16 years as a Wilmington Police officer.  He transitioned into the city’s Fire Marshal’s office in 2006.  Waynant had a 100% conviction rate for his fire investigations, and led the writing of the city’s standard operating procedures guidelines.

City officials say they are working with the State Police and Amtrak investigators looking into the incident.