About the Relief Association
Our history, our mission, and how we support the Department's work of protecting life and property
To provide financial protection to the volunteer firefighters of the Prospect Volunteer Fire Department against misfortune connected with their participation in the fire service, and to protect their eligible beneficiaries, so that the Department can carry out its mission of protecting life and property.— Official Mission of the Prospect Volunteer Firemen's Relief Association
Supporting the Department's Mission of Protecting Life and Property
The Prospect Volunteer Fire Department protects life and property in Prospect Borough and Franklin Township. The Relief Association is a separate nonprofit that serves the Department and its members by protecting the firefighters who do that work.
Protecting the Protectors
Insurance purchased under the Volunteer Firemen's Relief Association Act provides financial assistance to members injured in fire service, and life coverage protects their eligible beneficiaries.
Safe on Every Call
Within the limits of the Act, Association funds can support the protective gear, training, and equipment that help firefighters work safely when lives and property are at risk.
Volunteers Who Stay
Knowing they and their families are protected helps members keep volunteering, so the Department has trained people ready to respond, day and night.
Accountable Stewardship
Association money is held in its own accounts, never mixed with Department funds, and spent only as the Act allows after the primary purpose is provided for.
The Relief Association at Prospect Boro & Franklin Twp.
The Prospect Volunteer Firemen's Relief Association was established on October 1, 1935 — making it nearly as old as the department itself, which was founded in 1912. We serve all members in good standing of the Prospect Volunteer Fire Department, Station 13, in Butler County, Pennsylvania.
As a non-profit association operating under the Pennsylvania Volunteer Firemen's Relief Association Act (Act 84 of 1968), we maintain complete financial transparency and accountability. Officers are elected annually by the membership and the Association keeps its own accounts, books, and records, separate from the Department's, subject to internal audit and to audit by the Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General.
We meet on the first Tuesday of each month, immediately following the regular fire department meeting — because the welfare of our members is always on the agenda.
Why Relief Associations Are Vital
Nearly 70% of America's firefighters are volunteers. Without a strong relief association, the financial risk of answering a call could be devastating for a family.
Volunteers Put Everything on the Line — Including Their Finances
When a member of Prospect VFD runs into a burning building, they aren't just risking their safety — they're potentially risking their livelihood. A serious injury can mean weeks or months away from their paying job. Medical bills accumulate quickly. Without the safety net of the Relief Association, many families simply couldn't afford for their loved one to volunteer.
The Relief Association removes that financial barrier, making it possible for members to answer every call without fear of leaving their families in financial jeopardy.
Injury Is a Real Occupational Hazard
Firefighting consistently ranks among the most dangerous occupations. Burns, smoke inhalation, falls, and cardiac events are genuine risks on every call. Relief benefits ensure an injured member can focus on healing, not bills.
Line-of-Duty Deaths Require More Than Condolences
When a firefighter makes the ultimate sacrifice, their family faces grief and, too often, financial hardship. Life coverage maintained by the Relief Association protects members' eligible beneficiaries, honoring the member's service in a tangible way.
Chronic Health Risks Are an Emerging Crisis
Research increasingly links firefighting to elevated cancer rates from chemical and smoke exposure. Protecting firefighters from these risks, through safe equipment and insurance coverage, is part of keeping volunteers able to serve.
Member Retention
Departments across the country struggle to retain volunteer firefighters. For members of Prospect VFD, knowing the Relief Association has their back is a powerful reason to stay — a direct investment in the safety of Prospect Boro and Franklin Township.
Pennsylvania Relief Act of 1968
In Pennsylvania, relief associations operate under the Volunteer Firemen's Relief Association Act (Act 84 of 1968), establishing strict guidelines for how funds are managed, invested, and disbursed — ensuring the highest fiduciary standards.
Transparent, Accountable Leadership
The Association is governed by elected officers — a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer — who serve one-year terms and are accountable to the full membership.
No funds are disbursed without two elected officer signatures, one of which must be the Treasurer. An officers bond is maintained on the Treasurer at all times.
By-law amendments require a written proposal signed by at least five members and a two-thirds vote of the membership — protecting the Association's governing documents from unauthorized changes.
Meet Current OfficersOfficers nominated in November & December, elected by secret ballot at the December meeting
All financial instruments require two elected officer signatures, one must be the Treasurer
Two elected Auditors and the Financial Secretary audit in January, April, July & October
All investments and disbursements follow the Volunteer Firemen's Relief Association Act
Part of the Prospect VFD Family
The Relief Association works hand-in-hand with the Prospect Volunteer Fire Department. Visit our department site to learn about Station 13, our apparatus, and how to join.
Visit prospectfd.com