HARRISBURG, PA — State auditors have released a new round of compliance reports examining how volunteer firefighters’ relief associations in Chester County managed public funds, identifying a mix of corrective progress and lingering deficiencies across three organizations.
Auditor General Timothy DeFoor announced the release of audit reports for the Berwyn Fire Company Volunteer Firefighters Relief Association of Chester County, the Po-Mar-Lin Firefighters’ Relief Association, and the Sadsbury Township Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Association, covering multi-year periods that largely span 2021 through 2024.
The audits review whether the relief associations complied with the Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Association Act and properly administered state aid derived from foreign fire insurance tax distributions. Relief associations receive public funds to support volunteer firefighters through benefits, training, equipment, and safety-related expenditures.
The Sadsbury Township Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Association was found to be largely in compliance for the period from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2024, after addressing issues raised in a prior audit. Auditors reported that the association generally complied with state law and administrative requirements, but cited a failure to update its bylaws to reflect current statutory language, noting that outdated provisions could place the organization out of alignment with state law.
In contrast, the Po-Mar-Lin Firefighters’ Relief Association audit identified repeated noncompliance with prior audit recommendations covering the period from January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2024. Findings included the untimely deposit of state aid funds, an improper equipment donation transaction involving a vehicle with salvage value, and insufficient fidelity bond coverage during part of the audit period. Auditors noted that while corrective steps were taken during the audit process, the recurrence of previously cited issues raised concerns about internal controls.
The Berwyn Fire Company Volunteer Firefighters Relief Association of Chester County showed overall compliance for the period from January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2024, according to the audit. Auditors reported that the association corrected prior findings and complied with applicable laws and procedures, but issued an observation that certain cash balances exceeded federal deposit insurance coverage limits, exposing funds to potential risk if not adequately monitored.
All three reports emphasize that volunteer firefighters’ relief associations are custodians of public tax dollars and are required to maintain strong internal controls, accurate records, and compliance with state law. The audits are part of the Department of the Auditor General’s routine oversight of relief associations across Pennsylvania.
The audit reports are public records and are available through the Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General.
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