Delaware Creates Task Force to Investigate Volunteer Theft and Mismanagement

On the heels of several high profile cases of embezzlement, the state legislature of Delaware has created a task force to investigate fraud, theft, and mismanagement in the volunteer fire service.

According to Delawareonline, “Hundreds of thousands of dollars have disappeared from fire companies’ coffers in recent years. These cases, only brought to light when reported to the state by the companies themselves, almost always involved high-level officials such as treasurers.”

With the exception of Wilmington, fire protection in Delaware is provided by volunteer fire companies. There are a total of 60 of the fire companies, who file an annual report to the state’s Fire Prevention Commission.

The task force will include members from the Delaware House and Senate, the State Fire Prevention Commission, local volunteer companies, members of the public, the state auditor, a representative from the Office of the Controller General, and representatives appointed by each county.

Delawareonline has some excellent in depth cover of this issue.