Rhode Island Relief Fund Report
The Commissioners for the Expenditure of the Rhode Island State Firemen’s Relief Fund, on October 20, closed their books for the present fiscal year with a balance of $255.10 to return to the State, in accordance with the provisions of the law. During the year 27 claims were allowed, aggregating $1,347.04, while $836 was expended for the assistance of widows and orphans. This concludes 10 years since the passage of the bill creating the fund for permanent and volunteer firemen and providing them with protection during periods of incapacitation from injuries through service. During that time the commissioners appointed to distribute its beneficence have been enabled to extend relief to the amount of more than $13,000 to nearly 400 firemen in the State, as well as to assist several widows and orphans. Some idea of the work that has been done by the commissioners during the first decade may be gained from the following statement: During the 10 years Frederic W. Cady, of East Providence, who, by virtue of his office as treasurer of the Rhode Island State Firemen’s League, is treasurer of this fund, has received from the General Treasurer $25,000, of which sum $14,018.89 has been expended by the board and $11,606.12, including interest, returned according to law to the General Treasurer. At present under an amendment adopted April 26, 1912, the unexpended balance each year is held in trust by the General Treasurer for three years, when it reverts to the State treasury. There is here available as a reserve, including this year’s balance, $1,676.31, which may be drawn upon by the board if at any time the annual appropriation is entirely expended. The total amount paid to the 344 claimants was $10,198.14, an average of $29.65.
