Delaware – A new bipartisan proposal could give Delaware high school students a new way to fulfill their graduation requirements—while also strengthening the ranks of the state’s volunteer fire companies. House Bill 171 would amend the Delaware Volunteerism Act to allow students in grades 9 through 12 to earn credit for community service by volunteering at their local fire department.
The program would operate under existing guidelines that grant one elective credit to students who complete at least 45 hours of service per semester for two semesters, with approval and oversight by school principals. Supporters of the legislation say the measure could help ease recruitment challenges faced by fire departments across the state.
Participation in volunteer fire service has steadily declined over the past decade, and lawmakers say introducing students to the work early could help reverse that trend. If passed, the bill would also require schools to notify students of the fire service option before they register for classes. The proposal is sponsored by legislators from both parties and is currently pending review in the House Education Committee. The measure is part of a larger conversation about how to engage students in meaningful community service while addressing critical volunteer shortages in public safety.
