HARRISBURG – Auditor General Timothy DeFoor announced the release of audit reports for 44 volunteer firefighters’ relief associations (VFRAs) in several counties, including McKean, Elk and Potter.
In McKean County, the Ludlow association audit finished with no findings. In Elk, Jay Township had no findings, while the St. Marys Firemen’s Relief Association was found to be out of compliance with a prior audit recommendation: failure to maintain a complete and accurate equipment roster. Potter County’s Harrison Township and Roulette Chemical Engine Co. 1 had no findings. Tri-Town’s audit resulted in one finding of failure to adhere to relief association bylaws and inadequate signatory for disbursement of funds.
“Relief associations provide vital support to Pennsylvania’s dedicated first responders,” DeFoor said. “Our audits make sure state aid is used to equip and protect volunteer firefighters and the communities they serve.”
The Department of the Auditor General distributes state aid for VFRAs and audits how they use the funds, which are generated by a 2% tax on fire insurance policies sold in Pennsylvania by out-of-state companies. In 2023, $67.44 million went to 2,519 municipalities for distribution to VFRAs to provide training, purchase equipment and insurance, and pay for death benefits for volunteer firefighters.
VFRAs may have future state aid withheld if they do not comply with applicable state laws, contracts, bylaws and administrative procedures. Relief associations are separate legal entities from the fire departments they support.
