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Proclamations congratulating the graduates of the Community College of Allegheny County FireVEST Scholarship Program.
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WHEREAS, Allegheny County is home to more than 200 volunteer fire companies; and
WHEREAS, in Allegheny County, volunteer firefighters protect over 910,000 people and save the taxpayers of the county an estimated $60 million dollars a year; and
WHEREAS, to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities, in 2008, the Allegheny County Fire Volunteer Education, Service & Training Scholarship Program (FireVEST) was established through a partnership between the Allegheny County Fire Academy and the Community College of Allegheny County (through the CCAC-Allegheny County Workforce Alliance); and
WHEREAS, 200 FireVEST scholarships, covering tuition, fees and books, are offered each year - 150 for new recruits in exchange for 5 years of volunteer service and 50 for existing volunteer firefighters in exchange for an additional 5 years of service in Allegheny County; and
WHEREAS, FireVEST scholarship recipients have majored in programs such as Fire Science Administration, Criminal Justice & Criminology, Business Management, Nursing, and more;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Allegheny County Council, on behalf of the citizens of Allegheny County, does hereby congratulate the graduates of the Allegheny County Fire Volunteer Education, Service & Training Scholarship Program. We commend you for your dedication, service and sacrifice, in order to protect the lives and property of the citizens of Allegheny County.