Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Westchester County. The Pelham Examiner publishes press releases in the form received as a service to the community.

Watch a video on the HERRO Program HERE.

The Westchester County Department of Emergency Services has extended the filing deadline for Spring Semester HERRO applications. In addition, DES is hosting office hours for applicants who need assistance filling out the forms. The Higher Education Recruitment and Retention Opportunity (HERRO) program, now in its second year, offers up to $6,000 per year in higher education tuition or student loan reimbursements in exchange for a year of volunteer service at a local Fire Department or EMS agency. The initial June 3, 2023, application deadline for the HERRO program has been extended to July 28, 2023.  This extension will give more applicants an opportunity to benefit from the program, and enable local Fire Department and EMS to recruit and retain more volunteers.

DES Commissioner Richard G. Wishnie noted that 132 volunteer first responders were awarded $500,000 in 2022 after the HERRO program was launched. Based on that success, Latimer and the Board of Legislators approved funding the same amount for 2023. So far 56 HERRO applicants have been awarded almost $200,000 in reimbursements for the first semester of 2023.

DES is hosting HERRO office hours to help volunteers complete their applications, including the availability of a notary service. Volunteers will be able to work directly with a HERRO Administrator to complete the application and ask questions on the spot. The office hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 3 p.m. or by appointment. To make an appointment call (914) 231-1851 or email [email protected].

More information about the innovative program, including qualification requirements, can be found on the Department of Emergency Services website:  https://emergencyservices.westchestergov.com/h-e-r-r-o-program