First H.E.R.R.O. Scholarships Distributed
As we know fire department and emergency service agencies have a hard time recruiting to fill volunteer first responder roles and for good reason. It’s a tough job, even tougher as a volunteer. As our way of saying thank you, my administration launched the HERROS College Tuition program this year. This program reimburses volunteer first responders up to $6,000 annually ($3,000 a semester) towards their tuition in exchange for their service to the County.
I’m proud to say myself alongside Fire & Emergency Services Director Chris Kear recently distributed some of those first college scholarships to emergency responders.
Aidan Carton, a Nyack Fire Department volunteer, received a $1,585.00 reimbursement for his education at Alfred College of Technology and Dylan Habif, a Nanuet EMS volunteer, received a $2,285.00 reimbursement for his education at the University of Buffalo, both under the H.E.R.R.O. program.
EMS agencies respond annually to over 40,000 calls per year and fire departments respond to over 9,000 calls per year. These first responders’ agencies are currently experiencing a critical need to recruit and retain members. As an incentive for county residents to serve at volunteer fire departments and EMS agencies, the County of Rockland has developed the H.E.R.R.O. program for volunteer first responder agencies.
The County also partnered with Rockland Community College to launch the RCC Edges Program, or Educational Development & Growth for Emergency Services, which waives tuition to RCC for volunteer emergency responders.
Every single day brave men and women voluntarily risk their own health, safety, and wellbeing in our fire departments and emergency service agencies for the greater good of this County.
In honor of their sacrifice, we believe these individuals deserve more than a thank you from Rockland.
To our first responders know that we appreciate all that you do, and this is our way of saying thank you.
My administration encourages Fire & EMS volunteers to learn more about both programs on our website.
Head to Fire & Emergency page for more information on both programs include eligibility and how to apply: http://rocklandgov.com/
