The Wolf Administration said 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. 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 at
lesinclair@pa.gov.
For information regarding VLAP loans, including forms and informational materials, visit the OSFC website:
www.osfc.pa.gov.
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