Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) is advising members of volunteer fire departments that the deadline to apply for the Fireman’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) Gerald J. Buckenmeyer volunteer scholarship program is March 15, 2014. FASNY will be distributing 15 $1,500 scholarships to qualifying high school seniors who will be enrolled at an accredited college or technical institution this fall.

Applicants must be a member of FASNY, or be the child of a FASNY member in good standing. Applicants must display a strong commitment to community service. Eligible scholars must currently serve as a junior firefighter, Explorer Scout or RAM in a group affiliated with a volunteer department, a volunteer firefighter or a volunteer with an EMS unit.

Palmesano noted that interested students must submit a resume, two letters of recommendation and an official acceptance from an institution of higher learning. Prospective recipients also should craft a one-page essay outlining how participating in fire service has changed their lives. A full list of extracurricular activities also is required.

“Our emergency volunteers are the backbone of our rural communities. We are so fortunate that FASNY is committed to providing educational opportunities for our invaluable student volunteers. I hope that our service-minded scholars take advantage of these generous scholarships,” said Palmesano.

Again, the application deadline is March 15, 2014. Prospective scholars can download an application by visiting http://www.fasny.com/pdfs/ScholarshipApp2014.pdf. Applications and supporting materials can be sent to Daniel F. McNeil III at FASNY’s Scholarship Advisory Committee. The address is P.O. Box 5670, Cortland, New York, 13045. Questions can be directed to Scholarship Advisory Committee Chairman Brian McQueen. He can be reached at (315) 552-8245.