Firefighters group offers free college tuition for recruits

The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York is hoping to attract more recruits through a new program that pays volunteer firefighters to go to college.

FASNY believes tuition reimbursement will be an incentive for people to volunteer in their community.

Under FASNY HELP, a student/volunteer firefighter who hasn’t already earned an associate’s degree or higher will be eligible for up to 100 percent tuition reimbursement in exchange for maintaining good grades and fulfilling service requirements as a member in good standing in one of New York’s volunteer fire companies.

The deadline to apply for the tuition reimbursement for the fall 2011 semester is Oct. 1. Spring semester deadline is Feb. 1.

Volunteers must attend their closest community college in Sullivan, Orange, Dutchess or Ulster County, or one within a 50-mile radius of their home. Those interested can pursue any academic program full time or part time but must volunteer as a firefighter while attending school.

Money for the program comes from a $4.27 million grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Fireman’s Association of the State of New York President David Jacobowitz said he hopes to attract 2,000 volunteers to the program over the next four years.