Local fire departments across the state received a distribution from the Kansas Insurance Department Firefighters Relief Fund to assist firefighters and families in case of an accident or death on the job.
Emporia Fire Department will receive $79,264.92 fromthis fund. Emporia Fire Chief Jack Taylor said Friday that the use of the money is very specific.
“It’s not like we can go take that money and buy equipment,” Taylor said. “It’s very specific of what that can be used for.”
According to a press release from the Kansas Insurance Department, the money comes from a 2 percent tax paid by insurance companies on fire and lightning insurance premiums written in Kansas for the previous calendar year.
The Kansas Insurance Department collects the money on behalf of the Kansas Firefighter Relief Act.
Nearly $8.9 million will be distributed among 582 local Firefighters Relief Associations across Kansas.
“Kansans appreciate the sacrifices our firefighters make on our behalf every day,” said Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger.
“This fund assists firefighters and families when an accident or death occurs in the line of duty.”
Other local agencies receiving funds:
• Americus Community Volunteer Fire Department — $1,663.80
• Lyon County No. 2 — $7,124.74
• Lyon County No. 3 Miller — $2,668.48
• Lyon County No. 5 — $8,577.14
• Olpe Rural Fire Department — $3,262.55
• Reading Fire District No. 1 — $5,719.85
• Chase County Rural Fire Department No. 1 — $5,152.47
• Cottonwood Falls — $2,528.33
• Strong City — $1,853.62