ALBANY – Word from Albany on Wednesday announced that New York’s Volunteer Firefighter Training Stipend program will expand to cover the expenses of five more training courses for volunteer firefighters, a move warmly welcomed across the Hudson Valley.
The state created a program to strengthen the volunteer fire service and address recruitment and retention challenges by offsetting the costs of required training that individuals need to become a firefighter. This expansion will help reduce obstacles preventing volunteer firefighters from advancing their careers. Since 2023, more than 4,000 volunteer firefighters have successfully completed training through the program.
“By expanding the Volunteer Firefighter Training Stipend program, we are cutting costs for those who serve while enhancing their lifesaving skills,” the governor said. “The program makes critical training more accessible, allowing our volunteers to grow in their careers without sacrificing their ability to provide for their families.”
Putnam County Commissioner of Emergency Services James Oster agreed calling training “one of the most important tools we can provide our volunteer firefighters, not only to sharpen their skills but to ensure they return home safely after every call.” He said. “By expanding stipend eligibility to include advanced rescue, survival, and leadership courses, the state is helping departments encourage continued education while easing the financial burden that often comes with it. This initiative supports firefighter readiness and helps build stronger more resilient volunteer departments.”
The new stipend-eligible courses and course equivalencies are:
Firefighter Survival: Self Rescue which teaches firefighters how to rescue themselves if they become trapped or compromised during a fire incident. Stipend Amount: $250
Firefighter Assist and Search Team, and Rapid Intervention Crew: These programs focus on teaching firefighters essential techniques for rescuing colleagues who may be trapped or in trouble during an emergency event. Stipend Amount: $350
Fire and Emergency Services Instructor 1, Fire Officer II, and Firefighter 2: These courses are advanced leadership and instructor development programs. They aim to enhance the leadership capabilities of fire department members and improve their effectiveness in incident command roles, contributing to the safety of firefighters. Stipend Amount: $500.
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