Editorial: Fire companies need more volunteers

Rehoboth Beach, Lewes and Milton fire companies are throwing open the doors and inviting everyone in on Saturday, April 27.

Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company spokesman Warren Jones says he hopes the public will come out to meet firefighters and auxiliary members, see what they do and learn more about Delaware’s volunteer fire service.

Jones says in recent years, the ranks of local firefighters have fallen 15 percent. To remain strong, it’s now critical to rebuild, and that means new volunteers.

“Our volunteers are diverse in every respect and come from all walks of life,” Jones said. “We are a public safety force that offers rewards of contributing to a purpose greater than one could imagine.”  

The most urgent need is new firefighters, but Jones said volunteers contribute in many other ways, from fire prevention work to public relations and fundraising.

The U.S. Fire Administration says Delaware ranks at the very top of the list for the percentage of volunteer fire departments. Statewide, 98.3 percent of fire companies are volunteer or mostly volunteer, while only 1.7 percent of all departments have paid or mostly paid firefighters.

Today’s firefighters are so well trained and efficient, it’s hard to imagine the people who suit up, haul hoses and face down flames could possibly be volunteers. But they are.

What’s more, a September report from the State Auditor’s Office shows Delaware’s volunteer fire services not only save lives; they also save taxpayers a lot of money.

In 2018, the report shows, Delaware taxpayers would have paid an estimated $218 million if volunteer services were instead paid departments.

Participating firehouses are Rehoboth Station 1 on Rehoboth Avenue and Station 2, 36027 Airport Road, Lewes/Rehoboth Station 3 on Route 24, Lewes Station 1 at 347 Savannah Road,  Lewes Station 2 at 32198 Janice Road, and Milton Fire Station, 116 Front St., Milton.

For the tradition of volunteer firefighters to continue, it’s going to take more hands on deck.