Our View FASNY offers a gift

Some programs have a strong but narrow focus. Others, like the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York’s college reimbursement program, can have a beneficial impact on many levels.

Depending on requirements for each fire department, each volunteer firefighter is eligible to have up to 100 percent of his or her college tuition reimbursed from two-year State University of New York community colleges. That means Columbia-Greene Community College.

FASNY said the college classes can be in any subject area and would be reimbursed up to 80 credits if all the department requirements are met.

There is a big need for volunteer fire departments, which means a big need for volunteer firefighters. Recruiting and retaining members has become a challenge. As a result, the state offers abundant training for volunteers each year. FASNY’s college reimbursement program is an incentive for these ongoing recruitment efforts.

The top-ranked reason why volunteers are in short supply? People say they lack adequate time to volunteer. Assemblyman Pete Lopez, R-Schoharie, and Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin, R-Mayfield, said the college reimbursement program can change that perception.

We think the program can assist fire companies with volunteer retention and encourage Columbia-Greene Community College to make recruitment efforts. Success with this would ensure that local fire companies have sufficient active membership to keep our communities safe. The program would pay for the college educations of current firefighters while they serve their communities. And it would boost recruitment efforts by Columbia-Greene to enroll students who want to safeguard their hometowns as they gain an education for future careers.

The deadline for application is Feb. 20. We can’t stress enough the importance of this program. Our towns and villages, our community college and our volunteer firefighters will be better for it. How can you beat that?