Delaware News

Fire Commission Releases Statement Regarding Lewes Firefighter

State Fire Commission | Date Posted: Thursday, September 12, 2024


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Delaware State Fire Commission’s Investigative Division received a complaint regarding official misconduct involving a member of the Lewes Fire Department. The complaint alleged that a member used a racial slur over the radio while communicating with other personnel. Pursuant to Delaware Administrative Code, 709, Fire Service Standards, the affected company shall have 30 days to complete an internal investigation for potential resolution.  The fire company completed an internal investigation and forwarded its findings to the Commission.  The fire company rendered punishment to the member in accordance with their By-Laws.

While the Fire Commissioners are appalled by this firefighter’s behavior, the Commission is satisfied with the fire company’s internal investigation, the lack of further action or oversight at the state level means that ultimate accountability for the firefighter’s actions rests with the internal policies and enforcement of the fire company itself.

Delaware Fire Commission has limited authority under Delaware Fire Service Standards when investigating complaints and grievances involving firefighters. Unlike Delaware Emergency Medical Technicians, Delaware firefighters do not hold a state certification to operate as firefighters. Without state certification, the Commission cannot enforce or oversee certain accountability measures, which can be a significant limitation when dealing with behavioral issues. This restriction affects the Commission’s ability to enforce certain standards or hold firefighters accountable beyond what the fire company itself can impose.

In summary, while the internal investigation and punishment by the Lewes Fire Company appear to have been handled appropriately according to their By-Laws, the Delaware State Fire Commission’s limited authority highlights a need for potentially revisiting how firefighter misconduct is managed and overseen at the state level.

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Fire Commission Releases Statement Regarding Lewes Firefighter

State Fire Commission | Date Posted: Thursday, September 12, 2024


State Fire Commission Logo

Delaware State Fire Commission’s Investigative Division received a complaint regarding official misconduct involving a member of the Lewes Fire Department. The complaint alleged that a member used a racial slur over the radio while communicating with other personnel. Pursuant to Delaware Administrative Code, 709, Fire Service Standards, the affected company shall have 30 days to complete an internal investigation for potential resolution.  The fire company completed an internal investigation and forwarded its findings to the Commission.  The fire company rendered punishment to the member in accordance with their By-Laws.

While the Fire Commissioners are appalled by this firefighter’s behavior, the Commission is satisfied with the fire company’s internal investigation, the lack of further action or oversight at the state level means that ultimate accountability for the firefighter’s actions rests with the internal policies and enforcement of the fire company itself.

Delaware Fire Commission has limited authority under Delaware Fire Service Standards when investigating complaints and grievances involving firefighters. Unlike Delaware Emergency Medical Technicians, Delaware firefighters do not hold a state certification to operate as firefighters. Without state certification, the Commission cannot enforce or oversee certain accountability measures, which can be a significant limitation when dealing with behavioral issues. This restriction affects the Commission’s ability to enforce certain standards or hold firefighters accountable beyond what the fire company itself can impose.

In summary, while the internal investigation and punishment by the Lewes Fire Company appear to have been handled appropriately according to their By-Laws, the Delaware State Fire Commission’s limited authority highlights a need for potentially revisiting how firefighter misconduct is managed and overseen at the state level.

image_printPrint


Graphic that represents delaware news on a mobile phone

Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.

Here you can subscribe to future news updates.