WHEREAS, Volunteer Fire Service entities play a vital role in providing emergency services and protecting communities across the State of Delaware; and
WHEREAS, the fire and ambulance companies in Delaware are made up of independent companies that work together as one cohesive network overseen by the Delaware Fire Commission; and
WHEREAS, the State of Delaware and the counties of Delaware financially support the network to ensure sustainability; and
WHEREAS, Volunteer Fire Service entities rely on tax dollars to effectively serve their communities: and
WHEREAS, the State of Delaware supports efficient use of their tax dollars; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to assess the financial framework of Volunteer Fire Service entities and explore the potential of their financial conditions and establish if there is a need for change or enhancement to their current funding arrangements to enhance emergency service delivery in Delaware; and
WHEREAS, the Delaware General Assembly previously established the Fire Service Retention and Recruitment Task Force and evaluated the recruitment and retention of volunteers in the fire service entities in Delaware to help maintain and grow the staffing statewide and provided items to implement to improve the overall recruitment and retention of volunteers.
NOW, THEREFORE:
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 152nd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the Senate concurring therein, that we support the efforts of the Counties of the State in their efforts to do a consulting study of the current financial situation of the Volunteer and paid Companies and Departments in the entire State including fundraising efforts, status of equipment and infrastructure, their operational costs, and their fiscal management.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the House of Representatives and the Senate of the 152nd General Assembly, support the effort to identify opportunities and threats as it relates to the current funding models of the Volunteer Fire Services and Paid Ambulance Services, evaluate the sustainability of volunteerism, explore ideas to recruit and retain volunteers; and review the recommendations of the efforts of the Fire Service Retention and Recruitment Task Force as to the recommendations made and if they were implemented.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the counties should consult relevant experts, gather data and testimonials from stakeholders, and perform other necessary tasks to fulfill its objectives.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the House of Representatives and the Senate of the 152nd General Assembly, hope that the final report will include comprehensive details as to its findings, conclusions, and recommendations that will be shared with the House of Representatives and Senate, and include legislative proposals, policy recommendations, and potential funding strategies to address the needs of the Volunteer Service entities in Delaware.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the House of Representatives and the Senate of the 152nd General Assembly, encourage all relevant government agencies, Volunteer Fire Service organizations, and stakeholders to fully cooperate with the counties’ efforts on these objectives and provide necessary assistance and information.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives shall transmit a copy of this resolution to the Senate and the Governor’s office, relevant state agencies, Volunteer Fire Service entities and other stakeholders.
