HARRISBURG – The Wolf Administration announced on Friday that it will extend the maturity dates of loans offered to volunteer fire departments under the Volunteer Loan Assistance Program (VLAP) and temporarily defer payments for the months of April, May and June.
“As the effects of the coronavirus and the necessary government response ripple their way through our state, it should be no surprise that our volunteer fire departments are feeling the pain,” said State Fire Commissioner Bruce Trego.
“Our office is here to help our commonwealth’s fire fighters, and that hasn’t changed as we telework during Governor Wolf’s stay-at-home order. We’re committed to working very hard with departments to assist them with the resources they need to ensure they can meet their financial obligations during these difficult times.”
The Volunteer Loan Assistance Program (VLAP) provides loans to volunteer fire companies, ambulance services and rescue squads for the purpose of purchasing and modernizing apparatus, facilities and equipment.
It was also noted that there will be no interest or penalties assessed for borrowers who accept this deferment.
Since its inception, the program has approved more than $500 million in loans for the commonwealth’s volunteer emergency services community.
Office of State Fire Commissioner (OFSC) staff provide technical assistance and regulatory guidance to applicants; receives, analyzes and approves loan applications; supplies loan closing services; maintains financial and historical files and services all accounts until they are closed.
For those borrowers who wish to decline deferment and continue to make payments, please notify OSFC staff.
For more information regarding VLAP loans, including forms and informational materials, visit the OSFC Web site: www.osfc.pa.gov.