CHARLESTON – State Treasurer John Perdue’s office disbursed $4.8 million to hundreds of volunteer fire departments across the state during the third quarter of 2009.

Each fire department received $11,146 in that time period. Kanawha County led the way with 23 departments receiving funds, while several counties fell into the 12- to 15-department range.

State law reads that volunteer fire departments be included among entities that receive a small surcharge on fire and casualty insurance policies sold in West Virginia. That charge amounts to .8 percent of the total value of all fire and casualty insurance premiums sold during the applicable period.

“As with all funds and accounts we administer day to day, we take custody of this account – and disbursement from it – very seriously,” Treasurer Perdue said. “We know that our volunteer firefighters count on this money.”

In past remarks, State Fire Marshal Sterling Lewis echoed the Treasurer’s comments.

“It’s imperative that they receive that on a quarterly basis,” Lewis said. “It purchases new equipment, allows for training and the purchase of personal protective gear. The bottom line is that money is just the salvation of these volunteer fire departments around the state.”

To view all the volunteer fire department disbursements, go to www.wvtreasury.com, click on “Services,” then click on “Revenue Distribution.”