A new bipartisan legislative bill could help Delaware’s volunteer fire companies.  State Representative Jeff Hilovsky signs as co-sponsor of this effort to enhance fire company recruitment efforts.

Delaware of House of Representatives Bill 171 (HB 171) proposes updating the Delaware Volunteerism Act, a program that allows students in grades 9 through 12 to perform voluntary community service in exchange for high school credit. 

Under the existing initiative, students who work for at least 45 hours per semester for two semesters receive one credit, which may count as an elective for graduation requirements. The activity must be approved and conducted under the supervision of a school principal. 

HB 171 would specifically allow students to volunteer with a local fire department for their community service. The legislation would also require schools to notify students of the opportunity before class selection.

"This proposal is a true win-win,” said State Rep. Danny Short (R-Seaford), who joined State Rep. Debra Heffernan (D-Bellefonte) and others as a prime sponsor on the bill. “It offers students a new opportunity for community service while providing volunteer fire companies with a needed recruitment pipeline. For over a decade, these organizations have faced a troubling decline in participation, putting the future of Delaware’s volunteer fire services at risk. Without an infusion of young talent, many will soon become unviable. This bill could help slow or reverse that trend.”

Introduced last week, the bill is pending action in the House Education Committee.

Additional information regarding this legislative initiative may be viewed via the following links:

1. Delaware General Assembly - https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142306

2. WRDE News - https://www.coasttv.com/news/bill-would-let-delaware-high-schoolers-earn-credit-by-volunteering-at-fire-departments/article_16cfda1e-1c65-4f0b-b2fa-b5f52ce022c8.html

3. Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association Recruitment Campaign - https://joindelawarefire.com/