Auditor General DeFoor Hosts Education Session for Volunteer Fire Relief Associations in Allegheny County

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Coraopolis, Pa. - Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor today hosted an information session for Volunteer Fire Relief Associations (VFRAs) in Allegheny County to help them effectively and efficiently manage the state funds they receive.

"The mission of our department is to serve the people of Pennsylvania by improving government accountability, transparency and ensuring the effective use of taxpayer dollars," Auditor General DeFoor said. "Our VFRA guide is designed to make the business of running a relief association less complicated so our volunteers can focus on their primary task-keeping their neighbors and communities safe."

Auditor General DeFoor partnered with State Sen. Devlin Robinson on the event and provided every VFRA in attendance with a copy of the department's Management Guidelines for Volunteer Firefighters' Relief Associations. This is the second education event the Auditor General hosted for VFRA's across the state; the first education session was in Bucks County in partnership with State Sen. Frank Farry.

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 2023, $67.44 million went to 2,519 municipalities for distribution to VFRAs to provide training, purchase equipment and insurance, and pay for death benefits for volunteer firefighters.

Earlier in the year, Auditor General DeFoor announced the department was transforming the way it performs of VFRAs by using Limited Engagement Procedures (LPEs). Using LPEs allows the department to shift resources to those VFRAs who need more in-depth reviews.

For more information about the Department of the Auditor General's transformation initiative and to find the latest audits of your local VFRA, visit www.paauditor.govand follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

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