Governor Kathy Hochul has launched New York’s first training stipend program for volunteer firefighters. The program’s draft regulations were accepted following a 60-day public comment period and support Governor Hochul’s efforts to strengthen and stabilize New York’s volunteer fire service. A total of $10 million will help offset the costs of training courses which volunteer firefighters are required to complete.
“Volunteer firefighters put their lives on the line to protect those in their communities, and it is time that we recognize and compensate them for the work that they have done,” Governor Hochul said. “These stipends will allow our firefighters to continue serving their communities while also being able to provide for their families.”
Volunteer fire departments serve approximately nine million New Yorkers, nearly half of the State’s population. In recent years, however, more than three-quarters of these departments have reported a decrease in the number of individuals willing to volunteer and serve. This is further compounded by the increased operational responsibilities beyond fire protection to include vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, hazardous material spills, and weather-related rescue operations. At the same time, calls for service have increased 29 percent from 1997 to 2020.
As part of the effort to strengthen and stabilize the state’s volunteer fire service, the Division’s Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) will administer the stipend to volunteer firefighters for completion of the following training courses completed on or after August 31, 2023.
“Volunteer fire companies are one of the most vital aspects of public safety in New York,” said Assemblyman Steve Hawley. “Over the years, however, we’ve seen a drastic number of volunteer firefighters leaving local fire departments because they do not have the resources they need to do their jobs properly. This new stipend program is a great first step toward supporting firefighters in training and incentivizing others to volunteer. I’m proud to support this program and I will continue to fight to make sure our volunteer fire departments get the help and support they need to do their jobs.”
The course stipend rates are as follows:
•Basic Exterior Firefighting Operations: $750
•Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus /
Interior Firefighting Operations: $1,250
•Fire Officer 1: $1,000.
Additionally, a local fire training stipend may be authorized for the completion of any OFPC training course or equivalents, as determined by OFPC, up to $500.
Stipends are for first time course completions of the listed OFPC course or equivalency as determined by OFPC. Students must be a member of good standing as determined by their department and stipend applications are submitted by the fire chief.
To be eligible, fire departments must have submitted fire reporting for the previous calendar year and complete the annual fire department demographics form. This regulation also authorizes volunteer fire departments to pay volunteer firefighters a training stipend, subject to local funding, for the completions of certain courses, identified by the Office of Fire Prevention and Control.
Visit the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control homepage for more information on the program: https://www.dhses.ny.gov/new-york-state-volunteer-firefighter-stipend-program.
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