DE bill to make volunteer firefighter recruitment easier

In the state of Delaware, the only firefighters that are paid are the ones in Wilimington, that’s because the rest are volunteer firefighters. Officials from the Delaware volunteer firefighters association tell us they’ve been facing a shortage of volunteers throughout the state the past decade,  but House Bill 406 can change that problem.

Ron Marvel, the Public Information Officer for the Seaford Volunteer Fire Department, tells us that currently the fire  department is doing well in number of volunteers, but he admits that’s not always the case.

“From time to time we struggle right now we have a pretty good base of volunteers, but we can always use more volunteers.” says Marvel.

Governor Markell’s office announced he would sign the bill that waives the criminal background check fee that’s required when you apply to a Delaware volunteer fire company, which can cost up to $69. Warren Jones, the Executive Manager of the Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association and a member of the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company says the bill will be great for recruitment.

“A big issue is a lot of people move to Delaware especially Sussex Sounty don’t realize we are a volunteer fire company. They’re coming from other states where the fire department is paid,” says Warren.

He also hopes this will draw in a younger crowd of volunteers to serve their community.

“The cost of the background check was a deterrent from a lot of younger people being able to afford that kind of money to be able to join a volunteer fire company.” says Warren.

The bill was scheduled to be signed tomorrow, but it was postponed due to scheduling conflicts. No date has been set for the signing yet, but the bill is set to take affect 90 days after it is signed into law.

Fire officials also tell us they will be recruiting for members during the Delaware State Fair for those who are interested in becoming a Delaware volunteer firefighter.