HARRISBURG – Auditor General Timothy DeFoor announced the release of audit reports for volunteer firefighters’ relief associations (VFRAs) in Otto Township and Rew fire departments.

While there were no findings in the Rew audit, an issue with a signatory for checks in the Otto Township department was identified in the audit.

According to the audit report, the signatures on checks from the VFRA were those of a fire company board member and a former relief association official. By law, the signatories are to be current relief association officers. The signature card at the bank must be updated as well.

Management agreed with the finding and will take action to correct the measure, the report said.

‘Relief associations provide vital support to Pennsylvania’s dedicated first responders,’ DeFoor said. ‘Our audits make sure state aid is used to equip and protect volunteer firefighters and the communities they serve.’

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 2024, $68.26 million went to 2,501 municipalities for distribution to VFRAs to provide training, purchase equipment and insurance, and pay for death benefits for volunteer firefighters.