Proposed legislation looks to increase penalties to those who damage emergency equipment

Delaware- New legislation in Delaware looks to increase penalties to those who damage first responder’s equipment in the state.

Representative Jesse Vanderwende (R-Greenwood) wrote House Bill 323, which looks to increase the status of the crime criminal mischief from a class G to a class E felony when damage is done to emergency vehicles and equipment while those items are being used to perform their lifesaving duties.

The decision to write such a bill comes after an incident in Vanderwende’s district in November of 2023, where firefighters from both Delaware and Maryland responded to a blaze at the New Process Fibre Company in Greenwood.

During that call several fire trucks and other vehicles were damaged by individuals who threw rocks at them while they were combating the blaze.

The legislation is currently pending action in the House Judiciary Committee.