HARRISBURG – Auditor General Eugene DePasquale on Wednesday announced the release of an audit report for the volunteer firefighters’ relief association in Smethport.

There were no findings in the audit.

“My audits help to ensure volunteer firefighters have the resources they need to protect our citizens and communities,” DePasquale said. “I want to make sure state aid is used efficiently and effectively to help purchase life-saving equipment, training and insurance for thousands of first responders.”

State aid for VFRAs comes from a 2 percent tax on fire insurance policies sold in Pennsylvania by out-of-state companies. In 2019, 2,518 municipalities received nearly $60 million for distribution to VFRAs to provide training, purchase equipment and insurance, and pay for death benefits for volunteer firefighters.

The Department of the Auditor General distributes the state aid and audits VFRAs.