Del. General Assembly task force gives recommendations on recruiting more volunteer firefighters

DELAWARE – The Delaware General Assembly is aiming to help with what volunteer fire departments say is a struggle to get new members. A task force has come up with ten new recommendations and new programs to attract and retain more volunteer firefighters.

Among those recommendations, develop a recruitment and retention training class at the Delaware State Fire School, and establish an program that would assign full-time members to companies in all three counties. The task force also recommended adding a training administrator to the Delaware State Fire School to manage that program, and expanding the Sussex County Operation GEM cadet firefighter program for children ages 10-15 to all school districts.

The task force also recommended launching a volunteer firefighter recruitment website and marketing program. They also say the state should promote the advantages and potential career opportunities that come with joining volunteer fire companies to youth in Wilmington.

Other recommendations include offering public safety classes in firefighting, EMT and/or EMR in Delaware’s vocational technical school districts. The task force also called for courses taught by the Delaware State Fire School be eligible for college credits. Another recommendation would be to offer tuition reimbursement to undergraduate and graduate students attending higher education institutions in Delaware who volunteer with a local fire company for a set number of hours. Lastly, the task force recommended increasing the income tax credit available to volunteer fire company members from $400 to $1,000.

Seaford Volunteer Fire Department Chief Jack Wilson says they’re also feeling the effects of the shortage. “We haven’t been able to recruit new members effectively for many years now. We’ve seen a decrease in that, especially with a lot of our calls. Our call load lately has been rising in the Seaford fire district. We have seen a decrease in firefighters responding to the station,” said Chief Wilson.

Chief Wilson tells 47ABC that sometimes volunteer firefighters can’t get out of work to answer a call, or have family obligations. He also says it’s getting harder to recruit young people as volunteer firefighters. “I hate to say the words ‘generational changes’ but it is. There’s so much more for a young person to do. The other thing is the push for more career firefighter type oriented people, because they’re looking to get paid at jobs,” said Chief Wilson.

The Seaford Volunteer Fire Department says they saw a decrease in calls during the height of COVID-19. But as things start to open back up, Chief Wilson says those calls for service are increasing again. He says that’s why getting more hands on deck now, is more crucial than ever. “If you do have some time and are interested, please look up the valuable resources in your community to be an effective firefighter, volunteer, administrative person, or something where you can help out. The communities really need their people to come back and assist with this important infrastructure for the community,” said Chief Wilson.

Chief Wilson adds that if you’re interested in being a volunteer firefighter, the best place to start is your local volunteer fire company. “I think the best thing is to go to your local fire station and ask questions. Is this the right thing for you? How much time do I have to put in?” said Chief Wilson.

The chief says to get involved, you can pay a visit to your local volunteer fire company, call them, or reach out to volunteer firefighter resources. For more information about the Delaware Volunteer Firefighter’s Association, click here. You can also find more information and resources about becoming a volunteer firefighter in Delaware here.