Kan. Praeger Says $9.1 Million Given to Firefighter Relief Associations

Kan. Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger recently announced that nearly $9.1 million is being distributed to Firefighter Relief Associations from the Firefighters Relief Fund this year. This important fund, administered by the Kansas Insurance Department, distributes moneys to local associations for accident and health, disability and life insurance premiums used to assist firefighters and their families. Associations may also establish annuity retirement plans for firefighters and their families.

“Kansans appreciate the sacrifices our firefighters make on our behalf everyday,” said Praeger. “This fund assists firefighters and their families when an accident or death occurs in the line of duty. I know Kansans sincerely appreciate the sacrifices our dedicated firefighters make each day to protect those who live in this great state.”

The Kansas Firefighters Relief Fund is generated by a 2 percent tax on the fire and lightning insurance premiums paid to the state for the previous calendar year. This year’s distribution is $9.1 million.

The complete description of how the fund is distributed is set forth in K.S.A. 40-1706. The fund’s distribution is divided into these areas:

— The majority is distributed to the 585 Firefighters Relief
Associations throughout Kansas, and is based on the amount of fire insurance written in the area each Association serves. Of the overall distribution, $8,762,367 million will be distributed to local associations.
— A total of $278,005 goes to the Kansas State Firefighters
Association, Inc., for educational purposes and research into fire prevention and extinguishment.
— A portion of the distribution is also used to replenish the
death benefit fund, which is administered by the State Association.
This year, that amount is $100,000.

Tragically, two Kansas firefighters died in the line of duty last year, while 249 firefighters were injured as a result of a fire according to the Kansas State Fire Marshall’s Office. In 2006, a total of 198,050 fire alarms were sounded in Kansas with 21,701 reported fires. Nearly $950,000 in benefits were paid to firefighters for lost wages as a result of fire department related injuries or disability, and nearly $500,000 paid to dependents of firefighters.

A listing of association distributions can be obtained from the Kansas
Insurance Department website at www.ksinsurance.org.

Source: Kansas Department of Insurance