Director’s Message
Director’s Message
Welcome to the Delaware State Fire School.
Every day, somewhere in Delaware, someone calls for help.
In that moment, nothing matters more than the men and women who answer that call. Whether they are firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, fire police, dispatchers, law enforcement officers, or any of the countless other public safety professionals who support our communities, they are expected to make critical decisions under difficult circumstances. Whether they serve as volunteers or career professionals, as members of industrial fire brigades, or in auxiliaries supporting our emergency services community, they are expected to save lives, protect property, and often place themselves in harm’s way to help complete strangers.
The public places extraordinary trust in them.
Our job is to help them earn it safely, professionally, and without compromise.
The safety of our students and employees is foundational to our mission. It must guide every class we teach, every evolution we conduct, every prop we build, every piece of equipment we purchase, and every decision we make. We are committed to an environment where risks are identified and managed, standards are consistently applied, and safety concerns are heard and addressed without hesitation.
Everything we do should improve the safety, confidence, and readiness of the people who serve Delaware. We owe every student entrusted to us our very best because one day, someone else’s life may depend on what they learn through our programs.
Under the direction of the Delaware State Fire Prevention Commission, the Delaware State Fire School proudly supports Delaware’s emergency services community through professional education, leadership development, specialized response resources, and training and certification programs that meet nationally recognized standards. Across our three campuses and through programs delivered throughout the First State, we are committed to providing realistic, relevant training that prepares today’s responders for the challenges they face now and those still to come.
Our work goes well beyond the classroom. We help build stronger responders, resilient leaders, and more capable organizations. We support volunteer and career emergency services, industry, government agencies, and the citizens of Delaware because public safety is a shared responsibility.
Buildings do not save lives.
Equipment does not save lives.
Vehicles do not save lives.
Technology does not save lives.
People do.
That is why our greatest investment will always be in people.
It is the instructors who willingly pass along years of hard-earned experience. It is the support staff who work every day behind the scenes to make our mission possible. It is the program managers who build new products to meet our evolving needs. It is the leaders who turn a shared vision into action and challenge us to become better. And it is the students who come to us committed to learning, improving, and serving something greater than themselves.
As Director, I am honored to build upon more than sixty years of service to Delaware. The generations before us built an organization that has earned the trust of Delaware’s emergency services community. I believe leadership is measured by the people we prepare, the trust we earn, and the standards we refuse to compromise. My responsibility, and the responsibility of every member of our team, is to honor that legacy by continuing to improve, continuing to innovate, and never becoming satisfied with “good enough.”
The challenges facing emergency services tomorrow will not look exactly like those we face today. Our responsibility is to stay ahead of change while remaining grounded in the values that have always defined this profession: safety, integrity, professionalism, accountability, leadership, and service.
Whether you are a volunteer or career responder, an instructor, a public safety partner, an industrial customer, or a member of the public, thank you for placing your trust in the Delaware State Fire School. It is a privilege to serve those who have dedicated their lives to serving others.
When Delaware’s emergency responders answer the call, they deserve every advantage we can provide. Preparing them for that moment is not simply our mission.
It is our promise.
Matthew Dodds
Director
“Committed to Excellence.”
