Who are the Fire Commissions?
The State Fire Prevention Commission shall consist of 7 commissioners as follows: 3 representatives of business and industry to include one from each county to be appointed by the Governor; 3 Delaware volunteer firefighters to include one from each county to be appointed by the Governor; and the immediate past president of the Delaware Volunteer Firefighters’ Association.
Commissioners shall be appointed to serve 4-year terms and shall not serve more than 3 terms to ensure that the terms of no more than 2 Commissioners expire in 1 year.
No Commissioner, while serving on the State Fire Prevention Commission, shall be an officer of any kind (president/chairperson, president-elect, vice president, secretary, board of directors, or treasurer) of any state or county volunteer firemen’s association, including but not limited to, the Delaware Volunteer Firefighter’s Association, or any professional board, commission, or trade association, or union representing an industry or service regulated by the State Fire Prevention Commission. No Commissioner shall hold a politically elected or appointed position.
What is the role of the Delaware State Fire Commissioners?
The Fire Commissioner’s responsibilities are to oversee the Delaware State Fire School and Fire Marshal’s Office along with formulating rules and regulations pertaining to the fire service, emergency medical technicians, ambulance providers, and fire safety. For full details please refer to Delaware Code, title 16, Chapter 66, State Fire Prevention. Delaware Code Online
Am I required to obtain a background check to become a Delaware Emergency Medical Technician?
Yes, Delaware Code Title 16, Section 6712 requires that any person seeking certification as an Emergency Medical Technician must complete a criminal background check. Please see the attached link for details. Background Checks – State Fire Prevention Commission – State of Delaware
How long does a background check take?
Once you arrive at any IndentoGO location, the process to obtain your fingerprints typically takes approximately 10 minutes.
How do I obtain a background check?
You must schedule an appointment with IdentoGO by visiting http://uenroll.identogo.com and entering the following service code, 27RX6F for EMT backgrounds only. If you do not have internet access, please call 866-761-8069 to schedule an appointment. For more information and to schedule your background check please see the attached link for details. DE-Service-Code-Form_State-Fire-Prevention-Commision_27RX6F_EMT-Basic.pdf (delaware.gov)
Why Can’t the Fire Commission use the fire company’s background check information?
All persons seeking certification as an EMT must comply with state law which requires the individual to obtain their background through the state’s approved vendor.
How do I become a Delaware Certified Emergency Medical Technician?
An individual seeking to become an EMT in Delaware must complete a state background check. Complete initial EMT training through an approved school along with successfully passing the National Registered Emergency Medical Technician exam. Once completed, the individual must apply to the Fire Commission using the approved application form along with providing documentation from a sponsoring agency. Once completed and all processing fees are paid, the individual will receive their Delaware EMT certification via US Mail.
How may I send my application to the Commission?
The individual may submit their application and required documentation through the US mail, in person or via electronic mail.
How will I obtain my EMT certification Identification card?
Once your application is approved and all fees are paid, the administrative division will mail your certification card to you.
How do I obtain a replacement EMT certification card?
Contact the administrative division and they will process a new certification card after verification of good standing. There is a $10.00 fee for the replacement card.
What if my Delaware Emergency Medical Technician Certification has expired?
Within 24 months, the EMT shall complete the EMT refresher course, hold current NREMT and CPR/AED certification, obtain a background check, application for EMT certification, and pay a processing fee of $10.00.
For more than 24 months, the EMT must complete the full EMT course, provide copies of current CPR/AED certification, and a copy of their NREMT certification, complete the application for certification, and pay a processing fee of $10.00.
DEMRS access will be suspended.
What is the F.I.R.E Team
Under the Delaware Code, the Delaware Legislature charged the Fire Commission with gathering and evaluating data on injuries. The rules requiring regulated entities to report injuries to the Fire Commission are in Delaware Administrative Code 709, section 3.0. The law requires fire departments to report injuries so that the Fire Commission can gain as accurate a picture as possible concerning injury trends in the Delaware Fire Service.
Scope of the Investigations
• The root cause of an injury
• If current training or standards were used by firefighters
• If proper protective gear was utilized
• If proper command structure was utilized, and
• Whether there was a command-and-control function
Information the commission collects.
• Minor, serious, and fatal injuries,
• Activities where fire personnel are injured
• Types of injuries (burns, strain-sprains, wounds, etc.)
• Body parts being injured
• Tasks performed at the time of injury
• Malfunctions/failures of personal protective equipment (PPE), self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), personal alert safety system (PASS devices), and standard operating procedures
How this will help the fire service
• Identify common injuries and exposures
• Identify trends in injuries and exposures
• Identify needed training
• Evaluate and find improvements in procedures
Who is involved The Investigative Team is made up of several personnel from different sections within the Fire Commission. Fire Commission Investigators, Delaware State Fire Marshals, Senior Training Administrators from the Delaware State Fire School, Technical Services of the Delaware State Fire Marshall’s Office, and any other persons and or experts needed.
How does the team operate Depending on the seriousness of the incident, the team will operate under three levels, level III will be for minor injuries where the fire chief or designee may complete an online form to be submitted to the Fire Commission. Level II and I are where representatives from the team will respond to the scene and contact the fire chief or officer in charge. From there the team members will begin to gather information on the extent of injury, photograph the scene, and provide any resources to the fire department that may be needed. The fire chief and or incident commander will remain in charge of the fire scene. Team members will not interfere with fire suppression efforts.
