"These workshops provide volunteer firefighters with the training, information and resources needed to meet the guidelines of this important funding source," Wagner said. "I strongly encourage local firefighters to attend this highly educational and informative event."

The workshop is instructed by Auditor General employees. It will give emergency service volunteers the opportunity to receive first-hand instruction on administrative procedures and have questions answered about relief association-related matters.

A copy of the new 2005 edition of the Management Guidelines for Volunteer Firefighters' Relief Associations manual will be distributed at the workshops.

Previous workshops were well-received by volunteer firefighters, who offered such comments as "very informational," "excellent program," and "well worth my time and trip."

The Volunteer Firefighters' Relief Association program was established in 1895 through a 2-percent state levy on foreign fire insurance premiums.

Last year, the Auditor General's Department distributed more than $58 million to 1,981 volunteer firefighters' relief associations in the state. The funds are primarily used to provide financial protection to volunteer emergency service personnel against any disability that might occur during participation in the fire service, as well as to purchase various types of fire equipment and to pay expenses to train volunteers.

The Department of the Auditor General has the responsibility to audit volunteer firefighters' relief associations to make sure that VFRA funds are properly spent.

Auditor General Wagner's strong support for fire departments and fire- related safety issues date back to his collegiate days at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he worked as an emergency medical technician with Citizens Ambulance Service.

"I understand first-hand and have a deep respect for what volunteers do for our communities across the Commonwealth," Wagner said.

Although the workshop is free, pre-registration is requested. For registration and additional information, call the Bureau of Firefighters' Relief Audits at (717)-787-1308; or e-mail to: fire@auditorgen.state.pa.us. Additional information also is available at the Auditor General's website, at http://www.auditorgen.state.pa.us/.

Source: Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General

CONTACT: Kerry Royer, Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General,
+1-717-787-1381

Web site: http://www.auditorgen.state.pa.us/