FRANKFORT, Ky, (October 14, 2025) — Auditor Allison Ball released her special examination of the Kentucky Fire Commission. The examination was initiated upon the request of Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) President Ryan Quarles and Kentucky Fire Commission Board Chair Ricky King following a change in leadership at the Commission.
“I commend President Quarles and Chairman King for their desire to equip Kentucky’s firefighters and fire districts with the financial support, tools, and information they need to be safe and successful,”
Auditor Ball said. “The Fire Commission plays a vital role in ensuring Kentuckians are safe in times of emergency. This examination ensures the Commission is on a solid footing from the beginning under new leadership.”
The examination included four findings and two observations. Notably, the Auditor found that the Fire Commission lacked formal policies and procedures governing its grant distribution process, leading to many questionable, informal spending practices.
“Many Kentucky fire stations rely on grants to update equipment and safety measures for firefighters who willingly run into danger on the behalf of all of Kentucky,” Auditor Ball said. “These firefighters risk their lives daily for our protection and we owe it to them to ensure the grant processes they rely on are administered correctly. Our finding addresses grants related to Thermal Imaging, Personal Protective Equipment, AEDs and more which protect firefighters in the line of duty. Fixing the grant process will help keep firefighters across Kentucky safe.”
In its response to the Auditor’s examination, the Commission stated it is “committed to improving our operations and upholding accountability and transparency, not only to meet legal and policy requirements, but to serve Kentucky's firefighters and communities with integrity.”