Assemblyman David DiPietro (R,C-East Aurora) is notifying members of volunteer fire departments and the community about an opportunity to receive tuition reimbursement through the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY). FASNY developed the Higher Education Learning Plan (FASNY HELP) as an incentive for people to join New York’s volunteer fire service.

“Western New York benefits from some of the best volunteer firefighters in the state, and I’m glad to see we’re giving back to our heroes,” DiPietro said. “This tuition assistance will help those seeking to continue protecting and serving our communities to do so without sacrificing their future. These brave men and women deserve the best, and it’s programs like this one that we all should be proud of. I encourage all of our volunteer firefighters to get on board with this program.”

The FASNY HELP program allows community college students to receive up to 100 percent tuition reimbursement for up to 80 credit hours while serving as volunteer firefighters and maintaining their grades. According to FASNY, the goal of the program is to help recruit and retain volunteers to fill a shortage left by the loss of more than 41,000 emergency volunteer workers over the years. To apply, candidates must first complete their local fire department’s volunteer membership process and the Volunteer Fire Department Commitment form.

For information on the program and how to apply, visit http://www.fasny.com/index.php/resources/fasny-help/; email HELP@fasny.com, Attn: John D’Alessandro, Deputy Volunteer Programs Coordinator; or call FASNY toll free at (855) 367-6933.

The program was made possible through a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant awarded by the Department of Homeland Security.