Audits reveal no problems in firefighter relief associations in Fayette and Greene
Recent audits conducted by the state auditor general’s office at volunteer firefighters’ relief associations (VFRAs) in Fayette and Greene counties showed full compliance with state laws and regulations.
Auditor General Jack Wagner said that his office conducted audits of VFRAs in Jefferson and Nemacolin in Greene County and Belle Vernon, Allison 2, Dickerson Run, Fayette City, Newell and Uniontown in Fayette County.
The audits were conducted at different times between Jan. 1, 2007, and Dec. 31, 2009.
“We commend the relief associations’ management in these Fayette and Greene county VFRAs for complying with all applicable state laws, contracts, bylaws and administrative procedures,” Wagner said in press releases regarding the audits. “The proper management of funds ensures that they will continue to support local volunteer firefighters who bravely put themselves at risk to help protect their neighbors’ health and property.”
VFRAs are nonprofit organizations that provide fiscal security for volunteer firefighters who might suffer injuries while volunteering their time to serve their communities.
The organizations received a 2 percent state tax on fire insurance that is then used to purchase insurance for the volunteers as well as provide funding for equipment and training.
In 2010, the auditor general’s office distributed more than $71.5 million in funds to nearly 2,000 VFRAs across the state.