Del. task force gives recommendations to minimize fraud within volunteer fire companies

The state of Delaware could be one step closer to minimizing fraud within its volunteer companies.

Back in October, a task force was created by the general assembly to examine all current procedures  and recommend ways to fix any problems.

"Over the years we've had some financial issues, dealing with criminality in some of volunteer fire companies throughout the state," says Tom Wagner, the Auditor for the State of Delaware.

Wagner tells 47 ABC one of the most recent cases involved the former treasurer of the Millville Volunteer Fire Department who allegedly stole more than $190,000.

Wagner, a member of the task force showed us a list of their final recommendations that have been submitted to the State Fire Commission, who overseas the fire companies.

One of the recommendations suggests volunteer fire companies should create a board of directors. He says this would eliminate having one person in charge of all finances  and serve as a checks and balance system.

"In essence it was one person of trust who dishonored that trust and took money from the fire companies," says Wagner.

The task force also recommends that a budget committee should be established to develop an annual budget. Wagner says this will allow the volunteer fire company to wisely plan and be aware of their expenditures.

Also, when it comes to paying for their expenses the task force recommends volunteer companies not to  use debit cards nor allow credit card cash withdrawals. Wagner tells us the majority of their cases found that members were stealing cash.

"If you have the debit card and you have the pin number you control the card, so it's really an access to cash without control," says Wagner.

Wagner tell us the task force aimed to make their recommendations as simple as possible  while still making sure the volunteer firefighter companies properly handle their finances.

"Hopefully the cases that we have  dealing with fraud will become far and fewer into the future," says Wagner.

Wagner emphasizes these are just guidelines for the volunteer fire companies. He tells us the State Fire Prevention Commission will be reviewing them and will have the last say.

The commission will have their next meeting on February 21st, but it is unknown at this time when the recommendations will be reviewed and  approved.