Auditor General DeFoor Praises Fire Relief Associations in Eight Counties for Having No Audit Findings
Auditor General DeFoor Praises Fire Relief Associations in Eight Counties for Having No Audit Findings
HARRISBURG – Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor today announced the release of audit reports for volunteer firefighters’ relief associations (VFRAs) in Allegheny, Berks, Crawford, Somerset, Venango, Washington, Westmoreland and York counties.
“Our audits make sure Pennsylvania’s dedicated volunteer firefighters have the support they need to keep our citizens and communities safe,” DeFoor said, applauding the nine VFRAs for having no audit 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 2021, $54 million went to 2,517 municipalities for distribution to VFRAs to provide training, purchase equipment and insurance, and pay for death benefits for volunteer firefighters.
VFRAs risk having 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.
The department is required by law to audit liquid fuels tax usage by municipalities; municipal pension plans and volunteer fire relief associations that receive state aid from the department; various county offices and numerous other state government entities.
Audit reports are available online using the links provided below, or at www.PaAuditor.gov/audit-reports.
Allegheny County
Forward Township Volunteer Fireperson’s Relief Association – No findings.
Berks County
Kenhorst Volunteer Fire Company Relief Association – No findings.
Crawford County
North Shenango Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association – No findings.
Somerset County
Relief Association of the Friedens Volunteer Fire Company – No findings.
Venango County
Rockland Volunteer Fire Department Relief Association – No findings.
Washington County
California Volunteer Fire Department Relief Association – No findings.
Westmoreland County
Madison Volunteer Relief Association – No findings.
York County
Glen Rock Fireman’s Relief Association – No findings.
Spring Garden Township Volunteer Firefighters' Relief Association – No findings.
Review other recent audits and learn more about the Department of the Auditor General online at www.PaAuditor.gov.
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