A proposal by Pennsylvania lawmakers looks to give a little help to volunteer firefighters who are pursuing a higher education.
Under the First Responder Loan Forgiveness Program, student loans of up to $16,000 would be forgiven for college grads after serving four years with a volunteer fire company, rescue company or emergency medical services agency, WTXF-TV reports. Eligible volunteers also must respond to a certain number of emergency calls, reach specific training levels and meet other requirements.
"What we’re trying to do is reward those for community service. We want these men and women to stay in Pennsylvania," said Rep. Chris Sainato, who introduced House Bill 1786 last month.
The measure's goal is to encourage more Pennsylvania residents to pursue volunteer opportunities as firefighters and other first responders, areas which have been on the decline. A state report found that volunteer firefighters numbered around 38,000 last year, down from about 300,000 in the 1970s, according to The Beaver County, PA, Times.
The House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee unanimously passed the measure Wednesday. Next step for the bill is a possible floor vote in October.
