Pa. announces $55.1 million for volunteer firefighters

YORK, Pa. — Auditor General Eugene DePasquale said he has released $55.1 million to help volunteer firefighters’ relief associations provide training and equipment that saves lives and protects communities across the state.

“This money is vital in helping volunteer firefighters who save lives and protect property,” DePasquale said."These funds will benefit communities statewide by helping to purchase life-saving equipment, fund critical training and provide insurance for thousands of volunteer firefighters and emergency service providers.”

As part of the 2018 allocation, 2,518 municipalities across the state received $55.1 million in fire relief association funding for distribution to the volunteer firefighters’ relief associations providing fire services to their communities.

The volunteer firefighters’ relief association funding comes from a 2 percent state tax on fire insurance premiums purchased by Pennsylvania residents from out-of-state casualty insurance companies.

The Department of the Auditor General audits volunteer firefighters’ relief associations.

DePasquale said for the first time ever, all municipalities submitted their requests for VFRA funding on time.

“My office has been working to streamline the process for municipalities and that effort is paying off by making it easier for them submit requests for the funding they need to support volunteer firefighters.”

Access a report detailing the amount of state funding for VFRAs at PaAuditor.gov.

Review the auditor’s original announcement.