HARRISBURG – Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor today announced the release of audit reports for 12 volunteer firefighters’ relief associations (VFRAs) in 11 counties.
“Thousands of volunteer firefighters benefit from the state aid delivered through relief associations,” DeFoor said. “Our audits make sure they have the life-saving equipment, critical training and insurance they need to help keep Pennsylvanians safe.”
DeFoor applauded seven 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.
This year, $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.
Audit reports are available online using the links provided below, or at www.PaAuditor.gov/audit-reports.
Adams County
Relief Fund Association of York Springs Fire Company No. 1 – Three findings: Noncompliance with prior audit recommendations involving undocumented expenditure and failure to maintain a complete and accurate equipment roster. Unauthorized expenditures totaling $10,997.
Cambria County
Middle Taylor Township Volunteer Fire Company Relief Association – No findings.
Clinton County
Chapman Township Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association – Finding: Unauthorized expenditure totaling $411.
Indiana County
Commodore Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association – No findings.
Lancaster County
Conestoga Fireman’s Relief Association – Finding: Association-owned rescue boat and trailer was incorrectly titled to the affiliated fire department.
Lebanon County
Bunker Hill Fireman’s Relief Association – Three findings: Noncompliance with prior audit recommendation involving unauthorized expenditures. Inadequate minutes of meetings. Duplicate insurance payments totaling $2,742.
Mercer County
Transfer Volunteer Fire Department Relief Association – No findings.
Mifflin County
Reedsville Fireman’s Relief Association – No findings.
McVeytown Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association – No findings.
Montgomery County
Tylersport Volunteer Firefighter’s Relief Association – Finding: Inadequate minutes of meetings.
Susquehanna County
Thompson Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association – No findings.
Warren County
Garland Volunteer Fire Department Incorporated Firemen’s 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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