+$217,000 in H.E.R.R.O.’s Reimbursed

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 in 2023, reimbursing volunteer first responders up to $6,000 annually ($3,000 a semester) towards their college tuition in exchange for their service to the County.

I’m proud to say myself alongside Fire & Emergency Services Director Chris Kear are celebrating the second year of our college tuition reimbursement program for our volunteer emergency responders. So far, over 100 volunteers have received more than $217,000 towards their college tuition.

Some of those individuals include Lauren Hahnenfeld, a 22-year-old Nanuet Community Ambulance volunteer, who was reimbursed $9,000 for her nursing degree at William Patterson College.

EMS agencies respond annually to over 40,000 calls per year and fire departments respond to over 9,000 calls per year. Both industries have been experiencing difficulties recruiting and retaining volunteers, and we launched this program as an incentive for county residents to serve as a volunteer first responder.

The program can also benefit those already serving like Dave Kryger, a 52-year-old Volunteer Hose West Haverstraw volunteer firefighter, who has been reimbursed $8,850 for an online criminal justice degree. Dave had been a volunteer firefighter for more than 30 years when my administration launched this program and decided to use the opportunity to go back to school for a bachelor's degree.

Individuals like Dave and Lauren are out there every single day bravely volunteering and risking 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 and was the true motivation behind crafting this college tuition program.

My administration encourages Fire & EMS volunteers to learn more about the program on our website.

Head to RocklandCountyNY.gov and then to the Fire & Emergency Services page for more information on eligibility and how to apply.