Many local areas depend upon the services of volunteer firefighters.
Because these firefighters are not paid, they do not contribute to a pension fund for retirement or disability. Through these relief associations, firefighters may receive benefits and purchase essential protective equipment. Auditors verify that state funds provided to the fire relief associations are properly spent. In addition to auditing these funds, the Department of the Auditor General provides management seminars on proper bookkeeping for the associations. This effort is good for volunteer firefighters and good for taxpayers.