THIBODAUX, La. - A new federal grant aims to help volunteer firefighters earn a free college education while also reversing sagging recruitment numbers for local departments.

The Louisiana State Firemen's Association was awarded a $980,000 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help pay for two- and four-year degrees for certain firefighters. The move is to help retain volunteers and attract new people to the profession.

Dwindling numbers of volunteer firefighters is a problem nationwide. Thibodaux Assistant Fire Chief Chad Mire says anything that can help boost enrollment is a good thing.

The program is open to anyone who's been an active member of a volunteer department for at least two years. The program will reimburse up to $8,000 in tuition payments for successful completion of a two-year degree and double that amount for a four-year degree.
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Information from: The Courier, http://www.houmatoday.com

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