Volunteer Emergency Responders Encouraged to Apply!

New City, NY – County Executive Ed Day and Fire & Emergency Services Director Chris Kear have awarded and reimbursed over $237,000 in college tuition to 124 emergency volunteers under the Higher Education Recruitment & Retention Opportunities, or H.E.R.R.O. program, since its inception in 2023.

The County of Rockland launched the college tuition assistance program for volunteer fire fighters and emergency responders as a way of recruiting and retaining volunteers. “This is our way of saying thank you to our first responders,” said County Executive Ed Day. 

“These programs are a great way to assist fire departments and ambulance corps in recruiting and retaining volunteers,” explained Fire and Emergency Services Director Chris Kear. “Supporting our volunteers is also crucial to maintaining these voluntary services which saves our taxpayers money.”

EMS agencies respond annually to over 40,000 calls per year and fire departments respond to over 10,000 calls per year. Both industries have been experiencing difficulties recruiting and retaining volunteers, and the County of Rockland launched this program both as an incentive for county residents to serve as a volunteer first responder and as a thank you to those already serving.

The County encourages Fire & EMS volunteers to learn more about the program on our website.

###

Follow us on Twitter: @rocklandgov
Follow us on Instagram: Instagram.com/rocklandcountygov
Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/rocklandgov
Visit our website: RocklandCountyNY.gov