ALBANY, N.Y. \u2014 New York state is expanding its volunteer firefighter training stipend program. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the expansion will offset costs for five additional training courses for volunteer firefighters. <\/p>\n
The state created the program to address recruitment and retention challenges by offsetting the costs of required training needed to become a firefighter, according to Hochul\u2019s office. <\/p>\n
The courses with the new stipend amounts are as follows: <\/p>\n
Firefighter Survival: $250 \u2013 This course teaches firefighters how to rescue themselves if they become trapped or compromised during a fire. Firefighter Assist and Search Team, and Rapid Intervention Crew:\u00a0$350 \u2013 These courses are designed to train firefighters in the critical skills needed to rescue fellow firefighters who are trapped or in distress during an incident.Fire and Emergency Services Instructor 1, Fire Officer II, and Firefighter 2:\u00a0$500 \u2013 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, ultimately contributing to the safety of firefighters. <\/p>\n
News10NBC has been reporting extensively on the volunteer firefighter shortage, and the hope is that this stipend will draw in more volunteers.<\/p>\n
A bill working its way through the state legislature would also make stipends possible for volunteer firefighters who respond to calls and other standby services.<\/p>\n
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