by County Executive Ed Day
I am proud to announce that Rockland County’s HERRO Program—Higher Education Recruitment & Retention Opportunities—has now provided more than $771,000 in tuition reimbursement to 313 volunteer emergency responders.
This milestone represents not only financial assistance, but a strong investment in the people who devote countless hours to keeping our county safe.
Fire departments and EMS agencies across the nation have long struggled with recruitment and retention.
Volunteer responders shoulder demanding responsibilities, often leaving their families, jobs, or classes at a moment’s notice to help a neighbor in crisis. They train rigorously, work long hours, and respond to situations that would make most people hesitate—yet they do it willingly and without expectation of reward. This level of commitment, especially from those who also manage academic workloads, deserves meaningful acknowledgment.
Recognizing these challenges, my administration launched the HERRO’s program in 2023 to support and incentivize volunteer service. The program provides up to $6,000 per year—$3,000 per semester—in college tuition reimbursement for qualifying volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel. It is our way of saying that their education matters just as much as their service to Rockland County.
Their impact cannot be overstated.
Each year, EMS agencies in Rockland respond to over 70,000 calls, while fire departments handle more than 11,000 emergencies. These numbers represent tens of thousands of moments where a volunteer stepped forward to help someone in need. Without them, our emergency response network simply couldn’t function at the level our residents rely on.
By reducing financial strain on our volunteers, the HERRO program encourages more young people to step into these vital roles and helps experienced responders continue their service. It is an investment in public safety, community resilience, and the future of volunteerism in Rockland.
If you or someone you know serves as a Fire or EMS volunteer, I encourage you to explore this opportunity.
Visit RocklandCountyNY.gov and navigate to the Fire & Emergency Services page for eligibility details and application information.
Together, let’s continue honoring those who protect us every day.