Sayward Announces Tuition Reimbursement For Volunteer Members of Fire Departments

Deadline to apply extended until February 15

February 1, 2012

Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward (R,I – Willsboro) has announced that the deadline for tuition reimbursement for volunteer members of fire departments has been extended to February 15. In most areas of New York State, it is citizen volunteers who respond to emergency situations. Due to a variety of factors, New York’s volunteer fire departments are currently experiencing a critical need to recruit and retain members.

“Many North Country communities are in dire need of volunteer firefighters to protect their communities. I think that this is a great incentive for those who may be interested in volunteering,” said Sayward. “I’d like to encourage all who may be eligible, to apply as soon as possible, and those thinking about volunteering to contact their local fire department.”

The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) has developed the Higher Education Learning Plan (FASNY HELP) as an incentive for people to serve in New York’s volunteer fire service. This program will provide tuition reimbursement to student-volunteers allowing them to attain up to eighty (80) credit hours from their closest New York State chartered community college or one located within 50 miles of their primary residence.

Under the FASNY HELP tuition reimbursement program, student-volunteers will be eligible to have up to 100% of their tuition reimbursed in exchange for maintaining defined grades and fulfilling defined service requirements as a member in good standing in one of New York’s volunteer fire companies. There is no restriction on the type of academic course(s) the FASNY HELP student-volunteer can pursue.

For more information, contact John D'Alessandro, FASNY Deputy Volunteer Programs Coordinator at 518-694-3136 or visit FASNY HELP on the web.

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