Rockland County Executive Ed Day & Rockland County Office of Fire and Emergency Services (OFES) Director Chris Kear are proud to announce the County’s Higher Education Recruitment & Retention Opportunities (HERRO) Program has reimbursed more than $771,000 in college tuition to 313 volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel since its launch in 2023.

The HERRO program was created to address growing challenges in recruiting and retaining volunteer emergency responders, both locally and nationwide. Fire departments and EMS agencies rely heavily on volunteers, yet many young people struggle to take on these demanding responsibilities while juggling the financial burdens of higher education.

“Volunteer first responders make extraordinary sacrifices,” said County Executive Ed Day. “They leave home, work, or class at a moment’s notice to help someone in crisis. By easing the cost of attending college, we can make it easier for them to continue serving while pursuing their goals.”

The HERRO program reimburses eligible volunteers up to $6,000 per year—$3,000 per semester—for tuition expenses at accredited institutions. This initiative has already become a crucial tool for recruitment and retention, directly supporting the individuals who form the backbone of Rockland’s emergency response system.
Last year, Rockland’s EMS agencies responded to over 70,000 calls, while fire departments handled more than 11,000 emergencies. These calls represent thousands of situations where volunteers stepped forward to protect their community.

“Our volunteers are essential to the safety and resilience of Rockland County,” said OFES Director Chris Kear. “The HERROS program is a tangible way to show our gratitude and ensure these agencies remain strong for years to come.”

The County encourages all eligible volunteer Fire and EMS volunteers to explore the HERRO program and apply.

Details on requirements, documentation, and deadlines can be found at RocklandCountyNY.gov under the Fire & Emergency Services section.