If you’re burdened by student loan debt and looking for a meaningful way to serve your community, a new proposal in Congress could offer a solution. But be ready to earn it. The Helping Emergency Responders Overcome Student Debt (HEROES) Act of 2025, introduced by New York Representative Dan Goldman, would allow volunteer firefighters and EMTs to qualify for federal student loan forgiveness after years of dedicated service.
A growing problem in emergency services
Across the United States, volunteer firefighters make up about 65% of all firefighting personnel. In New York alone, more than 90% of fire departments are run by volunteers. Yet, the number of people signing up is steadily shrinking.
Since the late 1990s, New York has seen a 32% drop in volunteer participation, according to State Assemblyman Bill Conrad. Meanwhile, emergency calls have risen nearly 30%. Many departments are struggling to keep up, leaving communities vulnerable.
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The HEROES act: What it proposes
Goldman’s bill seeks to expand the existing Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, which currently helps full-time public servants—including teachers and career firefighters—erase their student debt after 10 years of service and 120 qualifying payments.
The HEROES Act would add volunteer firefighters and EMTs to this list. Volunteers who meet the same criteria would be eligible for forgiveness, giving them a powerful reason to continue serving year after year.
“This would both recognize [volunteers’] public service by giving them a benefit that other public service officials get,” Goldman said. “It would also help recruit and retain volunteer firefighters so that smaller departments have enough people to respond to emergencies.”
Saving lives—and taxpayer dollars
Supporters of the bill believe it’s more than just a benefit—it’s an investment. John D’Alessandro, a volunteer firefighter and spokesperson for the Firefighters Association of the State of New York, says that volunteers save the state $3.8 billion each year in salaries and benefits.
By encouraging more people to volunteer, the bill could not only improve emergency services but also reduce government spending in the long run.
Support from emergency services
The proposal is getting strong backing from first responder groups. A spokesperson from the Firefighters Association of the State of New York called the bill “an effective addition to the recruitment toolbox,” noting that many volunteers already juggle multiple jobs and financial burdens.
Including them in the PSLF program, the spokesperson added, would help attract new members and retain current volunteers who feel unsupported despite their sacrifice.
What happens next
The HEROES Act is still in its early stages and must make its way through Congress before becoming law. No official cost estimate has been released yet, but the conversation is gaining momentum.
For those who want student loan relief and are willing to commit to community service, this could be a new path forward. It’s not a quick fix—but for those willing to serve, it might just be the opportunity they’ve been waiting for.
