YORK, Pa. (EYT) — Auditor General Eugene DePasquale announced that he has released nearly $170,000.00 to Clarion County to help volunteer firefighters’ relief associations provide training and equipment.

(Pictured above: Auditor General Eugene DePasquale at York, Pa. on Wednesday, November 14.)

On Wednesday, Auditor General DePasquale reported that he had released $55.1 million across the state to help volunteer firefighters’ relief associations provide training and equipment that saves lives and protects communities.

“This money is vital in helping volunteer firefighters who save lives and protect property,” DePasquale said. “These funds will benefit communities statewide by helping to purchase life-saving equipment, fund critical training and provide insurance for thousands of volunteer firefighters and emergency service providers.”

As part of the 2018 allocation, 2,518 municipalities across the state received $55.1 million in fire relief association funding for distribution to the volunteer firefighters’ relief associations providing fire services to their communities.

The volunteer firefighters’ relief association funding comes from a 2 percent state tax on fire insurance premiums purchased by Pennsylvania residents from out-of-state casualty insurance companies.

The Department of the Auditor General audits volunteer firefighters’ relief associations.

DePasquale said for the first time ever, all municipalities submitted their requests for VFRA funding on time.

“My office has been working to streamline the process for municipalities and that effort is paying off by making it easier for them submit requests for the funding they need to support volunteer firefighters.”

Listed below is the full list of statewide distributions to volunteer firefighters’ relief associations:

(CLICK ON IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION.)