Dover, DE –State Treasurer Chip Flowers and Insurance Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart announced today that Delaware volunteer fire, rescue, and ambulance companies will receive additional funds from insurance premiums in fiscal year 2011, as compared to fiscal year 2010.  In fiscal year 2011, the total funds received by Delaware volunteer fire, rescue, and ambulance companies will be $26,477,779.20 from insurance premiums, an increase from $24,320,707.41 in fiscal year 2010.  The Department of Insurance collects premium taxes paid by insurers and works with the Delaware State Treasurer to make payments to the various volunteer fire, rescue, and ambulance companies.

During the announcement of the insurance premiums, Commissioner Stewart said, “I passed a fireman the other day who had a sticker on his vehicle that said ‘I fight what you fear.’ This reminded me that these contributions are a small way to say thank you to these men and women who selflessly answer the call to protect our homes, businesses and lives.”

Treasurer Flowers added, “We are grateful that our volunteer fire, rescue and ambulance companies will have additional funds to provide critical services to the People of Delaware.  These individuals are our everyday heroes, willing to sacrifice their personal well-being to save lives.  I hope these funds will help them in performing this noble service.”

As announced by Treasurer Flowers and Commissioner Stewart, the funds will be allocated as follows:

2010/2011 FIRE, AMBULANCE AND RESCUE DISTRIBUTIONS
Wilmington Firemen’s Pension Fund		$4,031,512
New Castle County Volunteer Fire Companies (21)	each	$416,052
Kent County Volunteer Fire Companies (18)	each	$198,487
Sussex County Volunteer Fire Companies (21)	each	$272,590
Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Services (63)	each	$70,603

 

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Contact: Elliott Jacobson (302) 674-7303; (202) 294-3266 cell