Auditor General DeFoor Visits Bucks County to Announce More than $71 Million in Aid to Support Volunteer Firefighters, Protect Residents & Communities

Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor today joined Senator Frank Farry to announce more than $71 million in state aid to help dedicated volunteer firefighters save lives and protect property across Pennsylvania. The Firemen's Relief Association of Warrington Township in Bucks County received $215,228.98 in funds to support their firefighters and protect residents and communities.

"This crucial funding will help approximately 1,850 volunteer firefighter relief associations to provide equipment, training and insurance for Pennsylvania's volunteer first responders," DeFoor said. "At a time when many volunteers are spending more time raising money than fighting fires, these state funds are more important than ever."

A total of 2,501 municipalities received $71,278,493.39 for distribution to volunteer firefighter relief associations (VFRAs), which are legally separate from the fire departments that they support.

"Thank you to Auditor General DeFoor for choosing the 6th Senatorial District to announce this important funding for our volunteer firefighters across the Commonwealth," said Farry. "As a fire chief and active volunteer firefighter for 37 years, I know firsthand how important this funding is to ensure our volunteer fire companies are prepared with the proper resources to respond when emergencies happen."

The funding comes from a 2 percent state tax on fire insurance premiums purchased by Pennsylvania residents from out-of-state insurance companies. The amount of tax revenue available for distribution varies from year to year. Regional funding totals for 2026 are as follows:

• Central: $5,132,084.82

• Susquehanna Valley: $17,414,409.64

• Greater Pittsburgh: $13,462,059.44

• Northwest: $2,696,048.73

• Northeast: $7,255,485.58

• Lehigh Valley: $3,886,128.02

• Southeast/Greater Philadelphia: $21,441,277.16

In addition to distributing the funding to VFRAs, the Department of the Auditor General audits those organizations to ensure aid dollars are spent as required by state law. The latest VFRA audits may be found online in the Audit Report Center.

Review detailed 2026 VFRA funding details for all municipalities and learn more about the Department of the Auditor General online at www.PaAuditor.gov.

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Media contact: April Hutcheson, 717-787-1381 or [email protected]