Misused public fundsTransparencyOversight & ethics enforcement
Delaware auditor reports Marydel Volunteer Fire Company ignored its own budgeting bylaws and ran poker tournaments with no financial records; flags weak oversight of state fire funding
Confidence: Confirmed · 2 sourcesKent County · Oct 13, 2026
Subject of this story
Marydel Volunteer Fire Company
Also named
Oversight
Delaware Office of Auditor of Accounts
Delaware State Fire Prevention Commission
What happened
An April 28, 2026 investigation by Delaware's Office of Auditor of Accounts reviewed the Marydel Volunteer Fire Company for fiscal years 2021 through 2023 after allegations reached the State Fire Prevention Commission and the auditor's hotline. It found the company failed to comply with its own bylaws on budgeting, spent heavily on fundraising events, gift cards and conference travel, and ran unauthorized poker tournaments with no financial records. A 2014 auditor inspection had found similar weaknesses. The report says Delaware's state and county distributions carry no established requirements for the funding provided and recommends enhanced fiscal oversight of fire companies.
Sources (2)
Spotlight DelawareIn her report, York outlined the lack of clear oversight for volunteer companies across Delaware, a gap that leaves the more than $60 million they receive annually from the state largely unchecked, she said.
Marydel Volunteer Fire Company Investigation - Fiscal Years 2021-2023 (Delaware Auditor of Accounts, April 28, 2026)Delaware's State and County distributions have no established requirements for the funding provided.
Response
Marydel Volunteer Fire Company
Not yet contacted
Not yet contacted for this story.
What happened next (0)
No outcome recorded yet.