PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Volunteer Firefighter Relief Associations (VFRAs) in Pennsylvania are about to receive more than $68 million in aid.
Auditor General Timothy DeFoor joined local officials Friday at the Warwick Township Fire Company in Jamison to announce the funds. He says it will help over 1,850 VFRAs — which are legally separate from the fire departments they support — in their day-to-day efforts.
The funds not only help pay for equipment and training, but provide insurance for volunteer firefighters and their families. The Southeast/Greater Philadelphia area will be getting about $20 million.
The money comes from a 2% state tax on fire insurance premiums bought by Pennsylvania residents from out-of-state insurance companies.
“It is crucial that we support the men and women that choose to risk their own lives protecting our communities,” said Senator Frank Farry.