The County Executive’s Corner: +$389,000 in H.E.R.R.O.’s Reimbursed

I’m proud to say the Rockland County HERROS (Higher Education Recruitment & Retention Opportunities) College Tuition Reimbursement program for our volunteer emergency responders has given back more than $389,000 to heroes towards their college tuition.

This initiative reflects our deep gratitude and ongoing commitment to those who dedicate their time and energy to protecting our communities.

As we know, fire departments and emergency service agencies across the country face growing challenges in recruiting and retaining volunteers. And for good reason—it’s a demanding job that often requires individuals to put their own safety on the line, all while balancing personal, academic, and professional responsibilities. That commitment is even more admirable when it’s done on a volunteer basis.

To support these selfless individuals, my administration launched the HERROS program in 2023. The program offers up to $6,000 in annual tuition reimbursement ($3,000 per semester) to volunteer first responders who are enrolled in college, in recognition of their service to Rockland County. It’s our way of giving back to those who give so much.

Some of the recipients of this program so far include:

•Amber Ellis, West Haverstraw Fire Department – reimbursed $9,000.

•Luther Kohut, Stony Point Fire Department – reimbursed $12,175. 

•Jacob Steingart, New City EMS – reimbursed $12,000.

These are just a few of the brave individuals who balance academic success with serving our community in its times of greatest need.

To put it in perspective, EMS agencies in Rockland respond to over 40,000 calls annually, while our fire departments handle over 9,000 calls each year. These numbers highlight just how critical our volunteers are to the fabric of our emergency response system. We launched this program to help address recruitment and retention challenges and as a tangible incentive for residents to step up and serve.

In honor of their sacrifice, we believe these volunteers deserve more than just a thank you—they deserve our full support. That belief was the driving force behind the creation of this college tuition program.

If you or someone you know is a Fire or EMS volunteer, I encourage you to learn more about this opportunity. Visit RocklandCountyNY.gov, navigate to the Fire & Emergency Services page, and explore the eligibility criteria and application process.

Together, let’s continue to support those who support us.