HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania Auditor General Timothy DeFoor released an audit of the West Grove Fire Company Volunteer Fireman’s Relief Association in Chester County that found the organization largely complied with state laws governing the use of state aid but cited one policy issue, the department announced.
The compliance audit covered the period from January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2024, and reviewed how the relief association received and spent state funds intended to support volunteer firefighters.
Auditors concluded the relief association took corrective action to address a finding from a previous audit and complied with applicable laws and procedures related to state aid, with one exception involving internal policies.
The audit identified a finding related to the association’s failure to formally define certain discretionary benefits in its bylaws or a written policy.
According to the report, the association paid $6,046 during the audit period to reimburse members for gym memberships but did not have a formal policy outlining eligibility, benefit amounts or approval procedures.
Auditors said the payments were allowable under the Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Association Act but recommended the association adopt a formal policy to define discretionary benefits and ensure consistent authorization of expenditures.
Association management agreed with the finding and said it would take steps to comply with the recommendation, according to the audit report.
Relief associations are charitable organizations that provide financial protection and support services for volunteer firefighters, including equipment purchases, insurance and training.
Funding for the programs comes from a 2% tax on fire insurance policies sold in Pennsylvania by out-of-state insurers, which is distributed to municipalities and then allocated to local volunteer firefighters’ relief associations.
In 2025, the Department of the Auditor General distributed about $73 million in state aid to 2,507 municipalities for volunteer firefighter support programs, according to the department.
Audit reports are available online at www.PaAuditor.gov/audit-reports.
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