Alexander firefighter earns college tuition

Chad Brade of Alexander is one of several students in the region who has qualified for college tuition reimbursement as part of the FASNY Higher Education Learning Plan (HELP) initiative.

In 2011, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York implemented the HELP educational initiative — the first ever, statewide community college tuition reimbursement program geared toward recruiting and retaining volunteer firefighters throughout the state.

Brade, a member of Alexander Fire Department, is a student at Genesee Community College.

The deadline to apply for tuition reimbursement for the fall semester has been extended to Oct. 17.

“FASNY HELP has proven to be a tremendous success and a key tool for fire departments to boost their numbers by recruiting the next generation of firefighters,” said FASNY President Robert McConville.

HELP funding comes from a federal SAFER grant, which has driven recruitment initiatives throughout the state.

Under FASNY HELP, an individual who hasn’t already achieved a college degree, or has not taken 80 or more college credits, can have up to 100 percent of his/her tuition reimbursed in exchange for maintaining good grades and fulfilling service requirements in one of New York’s volunteer fire companies. There is no restriction on the type of academic course(s) that the student/volunteer firefighter can pursue either on a full-time or part-time basis. FASNY HELP covers online courses taken through Empire State College.

Funds can be used for tuition costs incurred in the fall and spring semesters. Eligible student/volunteers must maintain acceptable volunteer activity and training levels while attending school and fulfill a service requirement after they complete their course of study. They must attend the closest community college or one within a 50-mile radius of their residence.

More than 100 students across New York have applied to participate in the program for the fall semester from more than 20 community colleges.

For more information, visit www.fasny.com.