The Alpha Fire Company is justly proud of its history of volunteer service dating back to 1899. This is a tremendous resource and cost savings for the citizens of the Centre Region. None the less the equipment, operations, and training to run a modern volunteer fire department cost a great deal of money. Here is a brief explanation of how funds are obtained;

CENTRE REGION COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS (COG):

The major source of funds for the equipment and operation of the company comes from the annual budget of the COG. A complete explanation of the COG and its constituent municipalities can be found on the COG Website .

These funds are budgeted annually and follow the usual process for submission, review, and approval by the COG General Forum. Nearly all of the operational budget of the Company and the apparatus (rolling stock) come from this source. Apparatus purchases are significant, routinely costing hundreds of thousands of dollars and are planned over a 20 year replacement schedule.

STATE COLLEGE FIREMAN'S RELIEF ASSOCIATION (SCFRA):

The SCFRA is primarily responsible for providing insurance protection for firefighters and their families in the unfortunate situation where a firefighter might be injured, or worse, killed in the line of duty. Secondary to this responsibility SCFRA may purchase services, training, and equipment that enhance the safety of firefighters.  The SCFRA is a separate legal entity from the Alpha Fire Company.

Some of the items purchased by SCFRA:

• Turnout gear (updwards of $1,000.00 per firefighter)
• Self contained breathing apparatus (about $2,000.00 each)
• Two way radios (about $2,500.00 each)
• Pagers (about $300.00 each)
• A percentage of the original purchase price of apparatus to represent the firefighter safety functions of the equipment
  

SCFRA funds are collected as a 2% tax on the premiums paid by Pennsylvania residents for fire insurance policies written by companies outside the state. These responsibilities and the purchases are regulated by Pennsylvania State Law, commonly called Act 84 and are regularly audited by the Auditor General of Pennsylvania.  

ALPHA FIRE COMPANY:

The Alpha Fire Company is an independent not for profit corporation under Pennsylvania law and IRS regulations. The Company has its own funds and from time to time seeks donations to maintain these funds.

Fire Company funds do not purchase apparatus or equipment. However, as the Company is entirely volunteer the funds are used to supply “creature comforts” for the firefighters. Some furniture, audio visual equipment, and computer equipment is provided through Company funds. Food and beverages are also supplied for certain Company social events and some after fire meals.

In addition to the social benefits the Company also provides a number of annual scholarships to members and their dependents. Dependents of active or life members are eligible for post secondary scholarships of several hundred dollars when graduating from high school. Active members themselves are eligible for two scholarships for post secondary education.

The Alpha Fire Company appreciates the support of COG, SCFRA, and the generous citizens of the Centre Region.  Without this support the Company would not be able to provide its services to the Region.