Delaware State Auditor Issues Investigatory Report on Marydel Volunteer Fire Company

The investigation substantiated allegations of financial mismanagement and abuse of State resources by former MDVFC President and Treasurer

Dover, DE - The Delaware Office of Auditor of Accounts (AOA) issued an investigatory report today following allegations of financial misconduct by the former president and treasurer of Marydel Volunteer Fire Company (MDVFC) in Kent County. In the report, auditors fully or partially substantiated four allegations out of a total of ten and made recommendations to MDVFC, Delaware State Fire Prevention Commission, and Controller General to help prevent future abuse of State resources.

The investigation is the second engagement completed in an ongoing partnership between AOA and the Fire Commission with the goal of creating transparency in Delaware's volunteer fire companies and responding to allegations of misconduct. Auditors found that MDVFC failed to comply with budgeting bylaws, spent large sums on fundraising events, gift cards, and conferences, operated unauthorized cash poker tournaments and did not keep adequate financial records. The report followed a 2014 AOA report on MDVFC which raised similar concerns.

"The abuse of State and County resources at MDVFC directly took money away from its intended purpose of saving lives," said Delaware State Auditor Lydia E. York. "This funding is awarded every year to give our first responders the tools they need to carry out their mission. This office expects good fiscal stewardship of State funds, and when allegations of misconduct are brought to our attention, we will respond.

"The behavior of individuals at MDVFC documented by AOA auditors is fully preventable with strong regulations and internal controls. MDVFC also receives significant funding from the State of Maryland, all of which must be segregated and reported on annually, requirements that the State of Delaware lacks. The recommendations made in this report would go a long way towards preventing further abuse of State resources."

"The results of this investigation are deeply concerning and reinforce the critical need for accountability, transparency, and strong internal controls within our volunteer fire service organizations," said Ronald Marvel, Delaware State Fire Prevention Commission Chair. "Misuse of fund resources intended to support vital operations is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The Delaware State Fire Prevention Commission is committed to working with our partners to strengthen oversight, protect taxpayer funding, and preserve the integrity of the fire service.

"Our investigators collaborated closely with the Delaware Office of Auditor of Accounts for more than two years to ensure a thorough and objective review. This partnership reflects our shared responsibility to address allegations of misconduct swiftly and in the best interest of the public."

Click here to view the MVFDC Investigatory Report on the State Auditor's website.

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