Volunteer Firefighters Eligible for Tuition Reimbursement at Rockland Community College

Ramapo, NY – Students who serve as volunteer firefighters may be eligible to attend RCC tuition-free, thanks to a federal grant called SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response). The goal of the program is to recruit and retain volunteer firefighters. Student can study part-time or full-time, and can be enrolled in any classes, not just fire science.

“Many students need to work while attending college in order to pay for tuition. This program is designed to let them volunteer as a firefighter instead,” said Mike Kramar, President of the Hillcrest Fire Company, No. 1, and Treasurer of the Committee to Promote Volunteerism in Rockland County Emergency Services, Inc., which administers the grant in Rockland.

Upon leaving RCC, the student must volunteer as a firefighter in a Rockland County Fire Department, one year for each semester of tuition reimbursement received. Depending on the individual fire department and the duties assigned, that commitment can represent anywhere between 2 and 20 hours a week. Training to become a volunteer firefighter is free and available at the Fire Training Center in Pomona.  You can visit any fire station in Rockland County to learn more about applying or training to become a volunteer firefighter.

Tuition reimbursement for volunteer firefighters is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The total amount available through the program is $50,000 a year, (in total for all applicants together), and the program is scheduled to run only one more year after this one. To receive 100% tuition reimbursement, the candidate must earn an "A" average. A grade of “B” is reimbursed at 85%, a “C” at 75%; and “D” is reimbursed at 50%.

To apply for tuition reimbursement, pick up an application at RCC’s Financial Aid Office. Return the application with a letter from a Rockland County Volunteer Fire Department, showing active status, and a completed FAFSA form. The program is not need-based, but if other financial aid is received, the amount will be deducted from the tuition reimbursement.

RCC’s Financial Aid Office is located in the Technology Center, 1st Floor, Room 8141. To learn more, call 845-574-4282 or visit: http://www.sunyrockland.edu/prospective-students/financial-aid/