Delaware State Fire Commission

The next monthly Fire Commission meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 @ 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

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🚑 New Delaware EMS Protocols Take Effect November 1, 2026

Attention Delaware EMS Providers and Agencies

The updated Delaware Statewide EMS Protocols will take effect on November 1, 2026.

All Delaware EMTs are required to complete the Delaware EMT Protocol Class through the Delaware State Fire School prior to implementation of the new protocols.

📅 Effective Date: November 1, 2026

📚 Protocol Class Registration

All Delaware EMTs should have received a flyer and registration form from the Delaware BLS Administrator with information on scheduling the required Delaware EMT Protocol Class through the Delaware State Fire School.

If you have not received the flyer and registration information, please contact the Delaware BLS Administrator or the Delaware State Fire School to obtain the information and schedule the class.

EMS agencies are encouraged to ensure their personnel are registered and complete the required training before the November 1 effective date.

Agencies and EMS providers should:

• Review the updated Delaware Statewide EMS Protocols
• Schedule and complete the required EMT Protocol Class
• Ensure all EMTs are familiar with the protocol changes
• Update agency policies and procedures as necessary
• Ensure continued compliance with Delaware EMS regulations and statewide protocols

Provider readiness and consistent, high-quality patient care remain our priorities.

Please share this information with your EMS personnel and agency leadership.
https://statefirecommission.delaware.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/103/2026/08/BLS-Standing-Orders-Effective-11-1-2026.pdf

Congresswoman Sarah McBride Visits the Delaware State Fire Service Center

The Delaware State Fire Commission, Delaware State Fire School Director, Commissioners, and staff would like to sincerely thank Congresswoman Sarah McBride and her staff for taking the time to visit and tour the Delaware State Fire Service Center.

We greatly appreciate Congresswoman McBride’s time and commitment to meeting with us to discuss the present operations and future goals of the Fire Service Center. During her visit, she had the opportunity to meet with Commissioners and Fire School leadership, discuss the future of fire and EMS training in Delaware, and see several demonstrations conducted by our Fire School Senior Instructors.

Her visit provided an important opportunity to discuss the needs, challenges, and opportunities facing Delaware’s fire and EMS services and to highlight the critical role the Delaware State Fire Service Center plays in preparing and supporting the dedicated personnel who serve our communities.

Congresswoman McBride, thank you to you and your staff for your continued hard work, dedication, and commitment to Delaware’s fire and EMS service. We appreciate your willingness to listen, learn, and work with us as we continue building a stronger future for emergency services throughout Delaware.

Celebrating 30 Years of Dedicated Service

Today, we proudly celebrate Director Sherry Lambertson and her remarkable 30 years of service to the State of Delaware.

Three decades of service represent far more than a milestone—they represent a lifetime of dedication, leadership, commitment, and service to the people of Delaware. Director Lambertson has devoted countless hours to strengthening the Delaware State Fire Commission and helping build the agency into the organization it is today.

Her leadership has left a lasting mark on the Commission, the Delaware fire service, and the EMS community. Through years of challenges and change, she has remained committed to the mission, the people we serve, and the men and women who dedicate themselves to protecting Delaware's communities.

Director Lambertson, thank you for 30 years of extraordinary service. Your dedication and leadership have helped shape the foundation upon which the Commission stands today, and your contributions will continue to impact Delaware's fire and EMS services for years to come.

We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to Representative Short, Representative Williams, Representative Romer, and Representative Cooke for their support and for taking the time to recognize Director Lambertson and this significant achievement. Your recognition of her service is deeply appreciated.

Please join us in congratulating Director Sherry Lambertson on 30 years of service to the State of Delaware and thanking her for a career dedicated to serving others.

Congratulations, Director Lambertson, and thank you for 30 years of leadership, dedication, and service to Delaware! 🇺🇸

Congratulations to Director Dodds on his swearing-in ceremony this morning before the Delaware State Fire Commission!

We wish Director Dodds great success as he begins this new chapter of leadership. We look forward to the hard work, dedication, and commitment he will bring to the Delaware fire and EMS services.

Please join us in congratulating Director Dodds and wishing him all the best in his new role. We look forward to working alongside him as we continue to support and strengthen Delaware’s fire and EMS communities.

Congratulations, Director Dodds!

The Delaware State Fire Prevention Commission will hold its next monthly meeting on:

📅 Tuesday, August 18, 2026
🕘 9:00 AM
📍 Delaware State Fire Commission
1463 Chestnut Grove Road
Dover, Delaware 19904

Members of the public are encouraged to arrive early. Mandatory security screening will be conducted prior to entry into the Commission meeting.

Public Meeting Calendar: State of Delaware

The Delaware State Fire Prevention Commission and Delaware State Fire School invite you to join us for the swearing-in ceremony of the new Delaware State Fire School Director.

📅 Tuesday, August 18, 2026
🕘 9:00 AM
📍 Delaware State Fire Commission
1463 Chestnut Grove Road, Dover, Delaware 19904

Please join us as we welcome the new Director and celebrate this important occasion for the Delaware fire service and Delaware State Fire School.

NFPA - News Release

“Fatal Firefighter Injuries in the U.S.” report shows 83 on-duty deaths in 2025, a 17 percent increase over 2024

https://www.nfpa.org/about-nfpa/press-room/news-releases/2026/fatal-firefighter-injuries-in-the-us-report-shows-83-on-duty-deaths-in-2025

The Delaware State Fire Commission is pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew M. Dodds as the next Director of the Delaware State Fire School.

With more than 20 years of leadership experience in fire and EMS, emergency management, public safety, and homeland security, Director Dodds brings an exceptional record of service and leadership to the Fire School.

As Director, he will lead the statewide mission of providing high-quality education and training to Delaware's fire, rescue, and EMS community while advancing innovation, professionalism, and firefighter safety.

Please join us in congratulating Director Dodds on his appointment and welcoming him to the Delaware State Fire School.

📄 Read the full news release below to learn more about Director Dodds' distinguished career and his vision for the future of fire and EMS training in Delaware.

Delaware State Fire Commission Announces Appointment of Matthew M. Dodds as Director of the Delaware State Fire School - State of Delaware News The Delaware State Fire Commission is pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew M. Dodds as the next Director of the Delaware State Fire School. Mr. Dodds brings more than two decades of distinguished leadership in fire and emergency medical services, emergency management, public safety, and ex...

The Summer Edition of the Delaware State Fire Commission Newsletter is now available!