Firemen’s Association of the State of New York opens tuition reimbursement program

Firemen’s Association of the State of New York recently developed the Higher Education Learning Plan as an incentive to recruit and retain members of volunteer fire departments.

By Staff Reports

Firemen’s Association of the State of New York recently developed the Higher Education Learning Plan as an incentive to recruit and retain members of volunteer fire departments.

The program will provide tuition reimbursement to student volunteers. Those enrolled in community college classes or online courses through Empire State College will be able to receive up to 100 percent tuition reimbursement for up to 80 credit hours while serving as volunteer firefighters and maintaining their grades.

The program goal is to help recruit and retain volunteers to fill a shortage left by the loss of more than 41,000 emergency volunteer workers over the years.

The deadline to apply for the fall semester is Oct. 7. To apply, candidates must first complete their local fire department’s volunteer membership process and the Volunteer Fire Department Commitment form. For more information, visit the FASNY website, email HELP@fasny.com or call 855-367-6933.