Auditor General DeFoor Releases Audits for Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Associations in 9 Counties
Auditor General DeFoor Releases Audits for Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Associations in 9 Counties
HARRISBURG – Auditor General Timothy DeFoor today announced audit reports have been released for 11 volunteer firefighters’ relief associations (VFRAs) in Allegheny, Berks, Carbon, Chester, Lancaster, Mercer, Mifflin, Northampton and Somerset 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.”
DeFoor applauded 9 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 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.
The department is required by law to audit volunteer fire relief associations and municipal pension plans that receive state aid through the department; liquid fuels tax usage by municipalities; 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
Harrison Hills Volunteer Fire Company No. 4 Firemen’s Relief Association – No findings
Shaler Township Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association of Shaler – No findings
Berks County
Hereford Volunteer Fireman’s Relief Association – No findings.
Carbon County
Weatherly Firefighters Relief Association – No findings.
Chester County
West Bradford Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association – No findings.
Lancaster County
New Danville Fire Company Relief Association – No findings.
Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association of Caernarvon Fire Company – No findings.
Mercer County
Pine Township Volunteer Fireman’s Relief Association – No findings.
Mifflin County
Belleville Fire Co #1 Relief Association – 1 Finding: Inadequate signatory authority for the disbursement of funds
Northampton County
Diamond Fire Company Firefighters’ Relief Association – 1 Finding: Failure to conduct annual physical equipment inventories
Somerset County
New Centerville and Rural Firefighters’ Relief Association – No findings.
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