Mission Statement
How BBFRA serves and protects the firefighters who protect Baldwin Borough
Core Mission
Under Act 84 of 1968 (35 Pa.C.S. § 7411 et seq.), the Baldwin Borough Firefighters Relief Association is legally obligated to support the volunteer firefighters who serve our community. Our core responsibilities include:
- Provide direct financial support to volunteer firefighters and their families when injury, illness, or misfortune occurs in the line of service
- Responsibly manage state relief funds received through the Pennsylvania foreign fire insurance premium tax
- Support member welfare through authorized benefits, equipment reimbursements, and assistance programs
- Maintain fiscal accountability and transparency in all financial activities
Member Support
Our primary focus is the wellbeing of the firefighters who risk their lives for Baldwin Borough. The relief association provides support in the following areas:
- Injury & Disability Assistance — Financial support for firefighters injured in the line of duty, covering medical expenses and lost income during recovery
- Survivor Benefits — Death benefits and ongoing support for families of fallen firefighters
- Training & Education — Funding for certification courses, continuing education, and professional development
- Equipment & Gear — Protective equipment, personal gear, and safety apparatus for active members
- Insurance Coverage — Accident insurance, health benefits, and life insurance programs for eligible members
State Aid Stewardship
The relief association receives annual state aid derived from a 2% tax on foreign fire insurance premiums collected in Pennsylvania. These funds carry significant legal obligations:
- Full compliance with the Volunteer Firefighters' Relief Association Act (Act 84) and the Municipal Pension Plan Funding Standard and Recovery Act (Act 205)
- Periodic audits conducted by the Pennsylvania Auditor General
- Transparent financial reporting at membership meetings and through public filings
- Proper authorization and documentation of all expenditures
Authorized Expenditures
Pennsylvania law defines specific categories of authorized spending for relief association funds. All expenditures must fall within these categories:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Member Benefits | Injury assistance, death benefits, stipends (up to $1,500/year per member) |
| Equipment | Protective gear, fire hoses, tools, breathing apparatus |
| Training | Certification courses, continuing education, exercise equipment |
| Insurance | Accident insurance, health benefits, life insurance for members |
| Vehicles | Fire apparatus, emergency vehicles for firefighting purposes |
All expenditures must comply with the Volunteer Firefighters' Relief Association Act and the association's bylaws. See 35 Pa.C.S. § 7416(f) for the complete statutory list.
Guiding Principles
- Integrity — Honest stewardship of public funds and member trust
- Transparency — Open financial reporting and accessible governance
- Accountability — Strict compliance with Pennsylvania law and audit requirements
- Member-First Focus — Every decision centers on firefighter welfare and safety
- Fiscal Responsibility — Prudent management of relief funds for long-term sustainability
- Legal Compliance — Adherence to all applicable state and local regulations