+$389,000 In H.E.R.R.O.’s Awarded 

Volunteer Emergency Responders Encouraged To Apply!

New City, NY – County Executive Ed Day and Fire & Emergency Services Director Chris Kear have awarded and reimbursed more than $389,000 in college tuition to Rockland County volunteer first responders through the Higher Education Recruitment & Retention Opportunities, or H.E.R.R.O. program.

Launched in 2023, this college tuition assistance program reimburses volunteer firefighters and emergency responders up to $6,000 annually for their higher education in exchange for their vital service to the community.

“Our volunteer first responders are the backbone of public safety in Rockland,” said County Executive Ed Day. “They step up during our most critical moments, and it’s only right that we support them in return.”

“The H.E.R.R.O. reimbursement program is an incredible investment in the future of our emergency services,” said Fire and Emergency Services Director Chris Kear. “These men and women sacrifice their time and safety to protect our communities, and this support is a meaningful way to show our appreciation.”

Volunteer EMS and fire departments respond to roughly 50,000 calls annually but in recent years first responder agencies have had a hard time recruiting and retaining volunteers.  The County’s H.E.R.R.O. program was launched as an incentive for residents to volunteer and express gratitude to those who already serve.

Some of the H.E.R.R.O. recipients include Amber Ellis, a six-year volunteer with the West Haverstraw Fire Department. Through the H.E.R.R.O Program, Ellis has received $9,000 in tuition reimbursement toward her bachelor’s degree from SUNY Albany and this fall she will begin pursuing her master’s degree.

“This program has helped me so much,” said Ellis. “Not only has it allowed me to continue my education, but it’s also allowed me to connect to my community.”

Jacob Steingart, a volunteer EMT with New City Ambulance, has also benefited from the H.E.R.R.O. program while pursuing his studies, recently earning his Master of Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

“I’ve always enjoyed helping people, and I’ve always been pretty high energy, so I can’t think of a better volunteer opportunity than EMS to get out and help the community,” said Steingart. “I was fortunate to receive $12,000 from the H.E.R.R.O. program, and it made it a lot easier to afford a master’s degree.”

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

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