HARRISBURG – Auditor General Timothy DeFoor announced the release of audit reports for volunteer firefighters’ relief associations (VFRAs) in Elk and McKean counties.

“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 Johnsonburg Fire Department Relief Association had one finding, which was undocumented expenditures. The report noted $810 had been issued for meals while training, but no receipts were kept for supporting documentation.

In McKean County, the Eldred Borough Fire Department Relief Association had no findings.

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 2022, $66.7 million went to 2,514 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.