Honey Brook Fire Company Relief Association

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - Volunteer Firefighters' Relief Association's are a way for volunteer fire companies in Pennsylvania to receive public tax dollars from the state for certain essential fire department equipment. Examples of equipment this funding supplies are air packs, hoods, bunker gear, helmets, rescue equipment, insurance, and other items that are designed for protection and safety of fire and rescue personnel. These are items that often would be neglected due to lack of general funds that would need to be spent on fire suppression and apparatus. Without the relief association many fire companies in the commonwealth would not have the resources to purchase these invaluable items or have enough money to stay as a volunteer status. If a company could no longer remain volunteer, one company could cost municipalities millions of dollars annually to provide fire and EMS service. Although the relief association is a vital part of funding for qualifying volunteer fire companies, local funding is vital.

There are certain requirements a volunteer fire company must abide by in order to receive relief association funds. The financial leaders must meet once a month to discuss relief association funds and purchases. All purchases using relief funds must be documented and submitted to the commonwealth. All uses of the funds are evaluated and verified that the purchase is within the rules of the association.

The commonwealth determines how much each municipality gets in relief funds. The municipalities then divide the funds amongst the fire companies that provide service in their municipality. 

Volunteer Firefighters' Relief Associations  

(VFRAs) are non-profit organizations established to afford financial protection to volunteer firefighters who suffer misfortune as a result of their efforts. VFRAs receive state aid from a 2-percent state tax on fire insurance purchased by Pennsylvania residents from insurance companies incorporated outside of the commonwealth. These funds are used to pay for insurance to protect volunteer firefighters, purchase fire equipment and to cover volunteer training expenses. VFRAs are distinct separate legal entities from fire companies.

VFRA funds are audited to make sure they are spent according to commonwealth law. The Pennsylvania Auditor General also conducts workshops to help local firefighters comply with VFRA regulations.