2 Volunteers Earn College Tuition Assistance In New Rockland Program

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — Two volunteers received college tuition reimbursements this week under Rockland County's new program for volunteer firefighters and 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.

The county's EMS agencies respond annually to over 40,000 calls per year and fire departments respond to over 9,000 calls per year.

All of them have a critical need to recruit and retain members.

So as an incentive, the county launched the H.E.R.R.O. program to provide up to $6,000 a year ($3,000 per semester) in tuition reimbursement to any college for volunteers if they meet certain requirements, and the RCC Edges Program, or Educational Development & Growth for Emergency Services, which waives tuition to Rockland Community College for volunteer emergency responders.

To be eligible, you must be an active volunteer in good standing with a Rockland County fire department or ambulance corps. The guidelines and rules are clear; check them out here.

• RCC EDGES Program
• H.E.R.R.O Program

"To our first responders — know that we appreciate all that you do, and this is our way of saying thank you," said County Executive Ed Day.

There are other benefits to being a volunteer.

First, joining a fire department or ambulance corps not only gives one a sense of accomplishment, but also opens new horizons, Fire & Emergency Services Director Chris Kear told Patch. "You build relationships. It opens up opportunities and new directions."

Second, it provides community.

"It’s like a second family. The fire and ambulance corps try to create that atmosphere where everybody is welcome," Kear said. "It's really a team effort. There are a lot of different ways to contribute. Whether you’re an interior firefighter or a driver you can be a valuable asset to your community."

The County encourages Fire & EMS volunteers to learn more about both programs on the website.

SEE ALSO: Rockland Helps Local Heroes: Tuition For Volunteer First Responders