Last week, Pennsylvania Auditor General Timothy DeFoor announced in Bucks County the release of over $68 million in state aid earmarked for volunteer firefighter relief associations throughout Pennsylvania.
“This funding will help more than 1,850 volunteer firefighter relief associations in their day-to-day efforts,” DeFoor said while at the Warwick Fire Company in Central Bucks County. “These funds pay for equipment, training and insurance that each VFRA needs to effectively do their job.”
DeFoor recently met with Bucks County firefighters about funding and audits his office completes.
A total of 2,501 municipalities received $68,268,053 for distribution to these associations, which operate independently but support local fire departments.
DeFoor was accompanied by State Sen. Frank Farry and state representatives Joe Hogan, Kristin Marcell, and Shelby Labs, all Republicans.
Sen. Farry, who serves at chief of the Langhorne-Middletown Fire Company and an active volunteer firefighter for 35 years, expressed his gratitude towards DeFoor for his support.
“It is crucial that we support the men and women that choose to risk their own lives protecting our communities. As a fire chief and an active volunteer firefighter for 35 years, I can tell you firsthand that this funding is more important now than ever,” Farry said.
The funds originate from a two percent state tax levied on fire insurance premiums that Pennsylvania residents purchase from out-of-state insurance companies. The allocation of these tax revenues varies annually, officials said.
The 2024 regional funding breakdown is as follows:
- Central: $4,850,452
- Susquehanna Valley: $16,583,604
- Greater Pittsburgh: $12,914,578
- Northwest: $2,655,038
- Northeast: $6,983,772
- Lehigh Valley: $3,637,446
- Southeast/Greater Philadelphia: $20,643,163
In addition to funding distribution, the Pennsylvania Auditor General’s Office also audits the VFRA to ensure the proper use of the aid in compliance with state law.
For more detailed information on the 2024 VFRA funding and to learn more about the efforts of the Department of the Auditor General, the public is invited to visit www.PAAuditor.gov.
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