Tuition assistance offered for volunteer

A new program allows for up to 100 percent tuition assistance for volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians statewide.

The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York recently unveiled what the organization dubs an “historic initiative” to provide tuition reimbursement for volunteer emergency workers statewide.

“Many volunteer fire departments statewide are experiencing the need to recruit and retain more members, and FASNY believes tuition reimbursement will be an incentive for people to volunteer in their community,” a statement released Monday says.

Oct. 1 is the deadline to apply for assistance with tuition for the fall semester, while those planning to attend school in the spring must apply no later than Feb.1

Volunteer firefighters or EMT personnel who haven’t achieved an associate’s degree or higher are eligible for up to 100 percent of tuition costs.

In return, they must maintain good grades as well as good standing within their respective fire department, including minimum service requirements.

There are no restrictions on the type of courses members can pursue on a full or part-time basis, according to FASNY.

Participants must attend the closest community college or one within a 50-mile radius of their fire company.

“We are very excited about this important tuition incentive,” FASNY President David Jacobowitz, a former educator, said.

The program, open to current or prospective volunteers, is funded using part of a recent $4.2 million grant through the Department of Homeland Security. The program is part of a broader initiative to recruit more volunteers throughout the state.

With volunteer fire rolls having diminished in recent years, the goal of the organization is to attract some 15,000 new members over the next four years.

The incentive will accompany a large-scale public awareness campaign including distributing literature to stress the importance of local volunteerism.

Recent studies show volunteer firefighters are responsible for 47,000 square miles throughout the state, home to some 9.8 million people.

Estimates show it would cost about $2.8 billion in salary and benefits, equipment and other costs to fund the same 88,000 firefighters if they were paid using tax dollars.

“Now more than ever, we need volunteers serving our communities so that the same optimal level of fire and emergency protection can be sustained for the safety of the citizens of this state,” George Davenport, chairman of FASNY’s recruitment and Retention Committee, said.