Myth vs Fact
Clearing up common misconceptions about relief associations
“The relief association and fire company are the same thing.”
Fact: They are legally separate organizations with different purposes, finances, and leadership. The relief association supports firefighters through benefits, equipment, and financial protection. The fire company fights fires and provides emergency services. Each has its own officers, meetings, bank accounts, and tax identification number.
“Relief association funds can be used for anything fire-related.”
Fact: Pennsylvania law specifically lists authorized expenditures for relief association funds. Permitted categories include equipment, training, member benefits, and insurance. Building rent, utilities, and social activities are NOT authorized uses of relief association funds.
“State aid is free money with no strings attached.”
Fact: State aid comes from a 2% tax on foreign fire insurance premiums and must be spent according to Pennsylvania law. The Auditor General conducts periodic audits of all relief associations to ensure funds are spent only on authorized purposes. Non-compliance can result in the loss of future state aid.
“Relief associations are just social clubs.”
Fact: Relief associations provide critical financial protection to firefighters injured in the line of duty and support for families of fallen firefighters. They fund protective equipment, training, insurance, and medical assistance — none of which are social activities.
“Donations go to parties and events.”
Fact: Donations fund member benefits, protective equipment, training, and insurance coverage. Social activities are not authorized relief association expenditures under Pennsylvania law. Every dollar donated goes toward supporting firefighter safety and welfare.
“Relief association finances are secret.”
Fact: Relief association finances are public record. Annual audit reports are published by the Pennsylvania Auditor General and are available for public review. Financial reports are also presented at membership meetings and published on this website.
“You have to be a firefighter to benefit from the relief association.”
Fact: Relief associations support firefighters AND their families. This includes survivor benefits for families of fallen firefighters, assistance for dependents of injured members, and scholarship opportunities for children of active volunteers.
“Firefighters are paid enough and don’t need relief associations.”
Fact: Many firefighters in Pennsylvania are VOLUNTEERS who receive little or no compensation for their service. Relief associations provide insurance, equipment, and financial protection that these volunteers would not otherwise have. Without relief associations, injured volunteers and their families could face devastating financial hardship.
“Relief associations can buy whatever they want.”
Fact: All purchases must be authorized under Pennsylvania law (35 Pa.C.S. § 7416) and approved through proper governance procedures. Every expenditure must be documented in meeting minutes with a recorded vote. The Auditor General reviews these records during periodic audits.