A program intended to boost recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters across Allegheny County will award 200 full college scholarships starting this fall to firefighters who commit to five years of service.

The start of the application process for the Allegheny County Fire Volunteer Education, Service and Training Scholarship Program was announced yesterday by county Chief Executive Dan Onorato and Alex Johnson, president of Community College of Allegheny County.

"Volunteer fire departments across Allegheny County are experiencing difficulty in recruiting and retaining firefighters," Mr. Onorato said in a statement.

Those volunteers, who staff more than 200 fire companies, help Allegheny County communities keep down the cost of providing an essential service, said Charles Blocksidge, executive director of the CCAC-Allegheny County Workforce Alliance.

The scholarships, which cover tuition and books, apply to associate degrees and certificate programs at CCAC and training at the county fire academy. Firefighters can choose their program of study but must maintain a 2.0 grade average and their firefighter 1 certification, Dr. Blocksidge said.

Three-quarters of the awards will target new recruits who commit to five years of service at a department in Allegheny County, officials said. The remaining 50 awards will go to existing firefighters who must agree to extend their service by five years.

Awardees must be residents of the county who are, or plan to, work at a fire company in the county. They must meet minimum service requirements as firefighters and would repay part of the award if their service or academic requirements are unfulfilled.

Dr. Blocksidge said an effort is being mounted to promote the program at various fire companies. Those seeking further information can contact the Allegheny County Fire Academy at 412-931-3158 ext. 5 or firevest@alleghenycounty.us.