Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger Makes Firefighters Relief Fund Distribution

Topeka, KS  (CompNewsNetwork) -  Last year five Kansas firefighters died in the line of duty, while 249 firefighters were injured as a result of a fire, according to the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office. Nearly $1.5 million in benefits was paid to firefighters for lost wages as a result of firefighting-related injuries or disability, and nearly $850,000 went to dependents of firefighters.

Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger is currently making the annual distribution of money to state and local firefighter relief organizations.

Nearly $8.9 million will be distributed among 582 local Firefighters Relief Associations across the state. Also, the Kansas State Firefighters Association will receive $382,000 for education and research purposes and to replenish the association’s death benefit fund.

“Kansans appreciate the sacrifices our firefighters make on our behalf every day,” said Commissioner Praeger. “This fund assists firefighters and their families when an accident or death occurs in the line of duty. The department is honored to assist.”

The local association funds go for accident and health, disability, and life insurance premiums used to assist firefighters and their families.

The money is generated by a 2 percent tax paid by insurance companies on fire and lightning insurance premiums written in Kansas for the previous calendar year. It is collected by the Kansas Insurance Department on behalf of the Kansas Firefighter Relief Act.

Of the state association total, $282,043 is earmarked for educational purposes and research into fire prevention and extinguishment, and $100,000 is used to replenish the death benefit fund.

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