2009-10-06 12:00:19.0
MVCC, County offer financial help for volunteer firefighters
Mohawk Valley Community College, Oneida County, and Oneida County Volunteer Firemen's Advisory Board are partnering to launch the FireHawks tuition support program, which will fund volunteer firefighters' college studies at MVCC.
With financial support from the County, this program will welcome a new class of 10 Oneida County firefighters each year.
"We are proud to be partners in this effort to recruit and retain volunteer firefighters and to create a better-educated workforce in Oneida County," says MVCC President Randall J. VanWagoner. "These men and women protect nearly a quarter of a million people in all parts of our county, and we are grateful that they have inspired this investment in our region's future."
This three-year pilot program will begin accepting applications in January. The first students will begin study at MVCC in August 2010. FireHawks will have the opportunity to pursue any program of study offered by MVCC, with coverage for full tuition and fees totaling up to $5000 annually, less applicable financial aid. Students will apply for admission and select programs of study with support from MVCC's Student Service Center.
To be eligible, candidates must be current members of an Oneida County volunteer fire department or join a department prior to filing an application. Students must live in Oneida County and be active in their departments. FireHawks recipients must enroll at least half-time, meet academic standards of progress, and complete their studies within five years. In return for the tuition reimbursement, participants must commit to at least three years' service as Oneida County volunteer firefighters.
"It is our hope that this program helps recruitment and retention efforts across Oneida County. We have worked hard for over a year to develop the details for this program. It has been successful in other areas, and we have confidence that this will retain and recruit volunteer firefighters," says Oneida County Legislator Brian Miller.
Adds County Legislator Steven Roefaro, "As a city Legislator, I realize and appreciate the cost savings volunteer firefighters have for our local towns and villages. This program is aimed at building the ranks, and we feel strongly that that is exactly what it will do."
Applications will be available at all Oneida County firehouses starting in January 2010. Candidates will be chosen via a competitive process starting in April. Applications will first be endorsed by the candidates' local chiefs, then a panel selected by MVCC, the Oneida County Fire Advisory Board, the Board of Legislators, and the Office of the County Executive. Before each semester at MVCC, FireHawk participants will need to follow financial aid and registration processes, with their chiefs certifying that they are active firefighters.
The new initiative with MVCC is a collaborative effort led by Miller and Roefaro, County Executive Anthony Picente Jr., and Director of Emergency Services and Oneida County Fire Coordinator Fred VanNamee.
