A Fredonia hearth truck is pictured outdoor Village Corridor.
New York state is now providing stipends for volunteer firefighters who whole elementary coaching lessons.
Fredonia Hearth Leader Joshua Myers defined this system in a Monday press convention on the hearth division on Primary Boulevard. He mentioned Gov. Kathy Hochul has authorized $10 million in stipends for volunteers who whole 3 coaching categories required through New York.
Myers mentioned two of the categories should be taken back-to-back inside of a couple of month, and insist 109 hours of time. “Asking a person to prioritize us for 109 hours at no cost is a huge ask,” he mentioned.
A $1,250 stipend will cross to those who whole an internal firefighting elegance. The outside firefighting elegance will garner a $750 stipend and hearth officer elegance graduates can be eligible for $1,000.
“Principally, those are access degree categories,” Myers mentioned. “They understand how to do firefighting tasks underneath supervision, which is what those categories supply.”
The executive mentioned the stipends are meant as a recruitment device. He mentioned the Fredonia Hearth Division, a mixture of volunteers and pros, has the fewest operational individuals it has ever had.
“With out volunteer firefighters, municipalities can be required to transport to an all-professional fashion, which is able to price taxpayers cash,” Myers mentioned.
To be eligible for the stipend, volunteer firefighters should be individuals in excellent status inside of their division, with stipend packages submitted through the hearth leader.
“As each a former volunteer firefighter and Chautauqua County Government, I perceive firsthand the essential function our first responders play in preserving our communities secure,” mentioned Paul M. Wendel Jr. Chautauqua County Government. “This stipend program items a singular alternative for people to enroll in our devoted group of firefighters, forging bonds that go beyond responsibility and enrich the material of our county. I encourage all who’re taking into consideration this noble calling to take hold of this opportunity to serve and make a distinction.”
Volunteer hearth departments, which serve roughly 9 million New Yorkers, have encountered vital demanding situations lately because of a decline in volunteerism coupled with a surge in call for for his or her services and products.
“As mayor of Fredonia, I commend the state’s dedication to bolstering our volunteer firefighting ranks via this cutting edge stipend program,” defined Michael Ferguson. “Through making an investment in our native heroes, we now not handiest improve public protection but in addition enhance the spirit of group resilience that defines our the city. This initiative provides a tangible alternative for people to respond to the decision of responsibility, forging bonds that beef up our collective unravel within the face of adversity.”