NY awards volunteer recruitment and retention grants

ALBANY, N.Y. — The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) announced last week that 12 organizations will receive funding to enhance volunteer firefighter and emergency services personnel recruitment and retention efforts through the state’s Recruitment and Retention Grant Program.

The announcement marks the second round of funding available to organizations that met eligibility requirements in this competitive grant program. Each of the 12 organizations received various award amounts capped at $25,000 to fund recruitment and retention programs and materials, and to support organizational leadership training. The total appropriation was $275,335. One of the groups, Southern Tier Health Care System Inc. of Olean, received $25,000.

“This annual program helps volunteer fire companies, departments and related organizations across the state recruit and retain qualified first responders so that they have the personnel resources to help protect their citizens,” said DHSES Commissioner John P. Melville. “This program, funded by personal income tax filers, helps communities across the state find and keep dedicated first responders that are vital to keeping New Yorkers safe from harm.”

The Volunteer Firefighter and Volunteer Emergency Services Workers Recruitment and Retention Fund, the source of funding for the Recruitment and Retention Grant Program, was established in New York state tax law during the 2009 legislative cycle. This section allows personal income tax return filers the option of making a gift to the fund. The grant program is administered by the Office of Fire Prevention and Control, a unit of DHSES, and audited by the State Comptroller’s Office. To date, the state has awarded more than $650,000 to organizations to help improve recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters and emergency services personnel.

Organizations such as volunteer fire companies and fire departments, municipalities, volunteer emergency medical services (EMS) organizations, and nonprofit local, regional or statewide organizations that represent the interests of volunteer firefighters or EMS personnel are eligible to apply for a grant. Grantees may use the funds for training to promote leadership development; courses at the National Fire Academy or New York State Academy of Fire Science for training not available locally; health and wellness initiatives; marketing plans, publicity campaigns and community awareness initiatives; and sponsorship of local community events designed to recruit volunteers.