Fire/EMS

Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA)

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is the state’s lead agency for coordinating emergency preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery efforts before, during, and after disasters. As a division of the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security, DEMA works with local governments, first responders, state agencies, federal partners, and private organizations to help protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure from natural, technological, and human-caused emergencies.

DEMA develops statewide emergency plans, operates the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC), coordinates disaster response and recovery, administers hazard mitigation and preparedness programs, provides emergency management training, and manages Delaware’s emergency notification systems. By bringing together agencies and resources from across the state, DEMA helps ensure Delaware is prepared to respond quickly and recover effectively from emergencies ranging from severe weather and flooding to public health emergencies and other large-scale incidents.

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Delaware State Fire Commission

The Delaware State Fire Commission is the state agency responsible for overseeing Delaware’s fire and Basic Life Support (BLS) emergency medical services system. Established in 1953, the Commission provides leadership, regulatory oversight, and professional standards to help ensure fire and EMS services across the state operate safely, consistently, and effectively.

The Commission has the authority to oversee the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Delaware State Fire School, establish statewide regulations, certify and regulate EMTs, license ambulances, authorize new fire companies and substations, resolve fire district boundary disputes, investigate complaints, and promote training and public safety initiatives. Through these responsibilities, the Commission plays a vital role in maintaining a coordinated, professional, and accountable fire and EMS system throughout Delaware.

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Office of the Delaware State Fire Marshall

The Office of the Delaware State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is the state’s fire safety and fire investigation agency, dedicated to protecting lives and property through fire prevention, code enforcement, inspections, investigations, and public education. Operating under the oversight of the Delaware State Fire Commission, the Office works with fire departments, businesses, schools, and local governments to ensure buildings and facilities meet state fire safety regulations and national fire protection standards.

In addition to conducting fire and arson investigations, the Office reviews construction plans, performs inspections of public buildings and occupancies, enforces the State Fire Prevention Regulations, licenses fire protection system contractors and fireworks operators, and administers specialized fire safety programs throughout Delaware. Through these responsibilities, the Office of the State Fire Marshal plays a critical role in preventing fires, investigating their causes, and promoting a safer environment for everyone who lives in or visits Delaware.

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Delaware State Fire School

The Delaware State Fire School (DSFS) is Delaware’s primary training and education agency for firefighters, emergency medical personnel, rescue responders, and other emergency services professionals. Operating under the Delaware State Fire Commission, the Fire School provides comprehensive classroom, hands-on, and live-fire training to help emergency responders develop and maintain the knowledge and skills needed to safely and effectively serve their communities.

With training facilities in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County, the Fire School offers certification programs, continuing education, EMS training, technical rescue courses, fire officer development, instructor programs, and public fire safety education. Through its commitment to excellence in training and professional development, the Delaware State Fire School helps ensure Delaware’s fire and EMS personnel are prepared to respond to emergencies with confidence, competence, and professionalism.

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Delaware Volunteer Firefighter Association (DVFA)

The Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association (DVFA) is a statewide organization that represents and supports Delaware’s volunteer fire, rescue, and emergency medical service agencies. Since 1883, the Association has served as the collective voice for its member companies by promoting volunteerism, advocating for legislation, coordinating statewide initiatives, supporting training and leadership development, and strengthening collaboration among Delaware’s emergency services organizations.

The DVFA works closely with fire companies, EMS agencies, state organizations, and local associations to help ensure Delaware’s volunteer emergency services remain strong, well-trained, and prepared to serve their communities. In addition to advocacy, the Association administers member benefits, scholarships, awards, statewide conferences, recruitment initiatives, and public education programs that support the future of Delaware’s volunteer fire and EMS system.

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Delaware State Fire Chiefs Association

The Delaware State Fire Chiefs Association is a statewide organization representing current and former Fire Chiefs from across Delaware. Serving as the voice of fire service leadership, the Association works to strengthen the state’s fire service by promoting leadership, supporting professional development, monitoring legislative issues, and advancing initiatives that improve emergency services throughout Delaware.

The Association brings Fire Chiefs together to share best practices, address emerging challenges, coordinate statewide efforts, and advocate for the needs of fire departments and the communities they serve. Through training, collaboration, leadership development, and legislative advocacy, the Delaware State Fire Chiefs Association helps ensure Delaware’s fire service remains strong, progressive, and prepared to meet the needs of the public.

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Sussex County Volunteer Firefighters Association

The Sussex County Volunteer Firefighters Association (SCVFA) represents the volunteer fire companies, emergency medical service organizations, and affiliated emergency service associations throughout Sussex County. The Association serves as a unified organization dedicated to promoting cooperation, supporting volunteer recruitment and retention, coordinating countywide initiatives, and advancing the fire and EMS services that protect Sussex County’s residents and visitors.

Through leadership, training, public education, fire prevention programs, technical rescue coordination, and collaboration among its member organizations, the SCVFA helps strengthen the county’s emergency response system. The Association also supports specialized committees and partner organizations that work together to enhance firefighter and EMS safety, operational readiness, and service to the community.

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Sussex County Fire Chiefs Association

The Sussex County Fire Chiefs Association represents the Fire Chiefs of Sussex County’s volunteer fire companies and serves as a collaborative leadership organization focused on strengthening the county’s fire and rescue system. The Association promotes cooperation between departments, develops countywide operational strategies, and works to ensure a coordinated emergency response for the residents and visitors of Sussex County.

The Association provides a forum for Fire Chiefs to address operational challenges, improve mutual aid coordination, establish best practices, support training initiatives, and advocate for the needs of Sussex County’s fire service. By working together, the Fire Chiefs help maintain a unified, effective, and resilient fire and rescue system capable of responding to emergencies across the county.

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Sussex County Ambulance Association

The Sussex County Ambulance Association (SCAA) represents the volunteer ambulance and emergency medical service organizations that provide Basic Life Support (BLS) throughout Sussex County. The Association works to strengthen cooperation among member agencies, promote high-quality prehospital patient care, and advocate for the needs of volunteer EMS providers and the communities they serve.

Through collaboration, education, and operational coordination, the Association supports its member agencies by addressing EMS-related issues, encouraging professional development, promoting consistent standards, and serving as a unified voice for volunteer ambulance services within Sussex County and across Delaware.

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Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC)

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is the state agency responsible for protecting Delaware’s natural resources, preserving environmental quality, and providing outdoor recreation opportunities. DNREC works to safeguard the state’s air, land, water, wildlife, and coastal resources while promoting environmental stewardship, sustainable resource management, and public health.

DNREC oversees Delaware’s state parks, fish and wildlife programs, environmental permitting, water quality, coastal management, climate preparedness, waste management, and natural resource law enforcement. The department also leads conservation initiatives, environmental education, emergency environmental response, and recreation programs that help protect Delaware’s natural heritage while ensuring safe and healthy communities for residents and visitors alike.

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Delaware State Police

The Delaware State Police (DSP) is Delaware’s statewide law enforcement agency, providing professional law enforcement, investigative, traffic safety, and public safety services to residents and visitors throughout the First State. DSP works in partnership with local, county, state, and federal agencies to protect communities, enforce Delaware laws, investigate criminal activity, and respond to emergencies across the state.

DSP provides patrol and investigative services while maintaining numerous specialized capabilities, including homicide and criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, homeland security, explosive ordnance disposal, K-9 operations, tactical response, underwater recovery, aviation, communications, forensic services, intelligence, and community engagement. Through its troops and specialized units, DSP provides around-the-clock public safety services and resources that support communities and fellow first responders throughout Delaware.

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Delaware State Police Aviation

The Delaware State Police Aviation Section provides statewide aviation, emergency medical, search and rescue, and law enforcement support throughout Delaware. Operating 24 hours a day from locations in northern and southern Delaware, specially trained pilots and Trooper-Medics respond aboard multi-mission aircraft to rapidly reach critically ill or injured patients, transport patients to definitive medical care, locate missing or endangered persons, and support public safety operations from the air.

The Aviation Section’s capabilities include critical care medical transport, search and rescue, hoist operations, law enforcement searches and surveillance, pursuit support, homeland and maritime security operations, and support for specialized tactical teams. The section also oversees unmanned aircraft systems and operates modern Bell 429 helicopters equipped with advanced medical, imaging, and rescue technology. Working alongside EMS, fire departments, law enforcement agencies, and other emergency responders, DSP Aviation provides a unique statewide resource for incidents where rapid medical care, aerial capabilities, or specialized rescue support can make a critical difference.

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Sussex County Technical Rescue Team

The Sussex County Technical Rescue Team (SCTRT) is a specialized volunteer team of firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics trained to respond to complex, high-risk rescue incidents throughout Sussex County and surrounding areas. The team provides specialized capabilities for emergencies that require technical expertise, advanced equipment, and rescue techniques beyond those used during routine emergency response.

The Technical Rescue Team responds to incidents involving confined spaces, high-angle and rope rescue, trench rescue, structural collapse, swift water, and large-animal rescue. Team members train extensively to safely operate in hazardous and unstable environments and work alongside local fire departments, Sussex County EMS, law enforcement, emergency management, and other regional technical rescue resources. Through specialized training, equipment, and coordinated response, the team provides Sussex County with the capability to manage some of the most challenging rescue situations encountered by public safety personnel.

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Sussex County EMS Hazardous Materials Team

The Sussex County EMS Hazardous Materials Team provides specialized hazardous materials response with a primary mission of decontamination for patients and emergency responders. All team members are certified Hazardous Materials Technicians in accordance with NFPA 470, providing the advanced training necessary to operate safely within hazardous environments.

The team also provides medical and operational support to specialized response partners, including DNREC and Civil Support Teams (CST), during hazardous materials and other complex incidents.

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Delmarva Power

Delmarva Power is the largest electric utility serving Sussex County and provides reliable electric service to much of central and eastern Delaware. The company owns and maintains the electric transmission and distribution system that delivers power to homes and businesses while supporting outage restoration, infrastructure improvements, and energy efficiency programs.

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Delaware Electric Cooperative (DEC)

Delaware Electric Cooperative is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric utility serving much of rural Sussex County. Founded to bring electricity to rural communities, DEC focuses on providing safe, reliable, and affordable electric service while investing back into the communities and members it serves.

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City of Seaford Electric Department

The City of Seaford operates its own municipal electric utility, providing electric service to customers within the city. As a member of the Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation (DEMEC), Seaford delivers reliable electric service while maintaining its own substations, distribution system, and local electric workforce.

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City of Milford Electric Department

The City of Milford owns and operates its municipal electric utility, supplying power to thousands of residential and commercial customers within the city. Through its partnership with DEMEC, Milford provides dependable electric service while maintaining and operating its own electric distribution infrastructure.

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City of Lewes Board of Public Works

The City of Lewes Board of Public Works (BPW) provides municipal electric service to residents and businesses within the City of Lewes. In addition to operating the city’s electric distribution system, the BPW manages water, wastewater, and other public utility services, ensuring reliable utility operations for the local community.

These five organizations collectively provide electric service to virtually all of Sussex County. The service area depends on where a home or business is located rather than customer choice.

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