Senator Sherrod Brown

TOLEDO, OH—U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today joined local firefighters to celebrate a recently-enacted law Brown authored to provide federal loan forgiveness to full-time firefighters. Brown’s legislation, which was included in the recently-enacted Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, was developed alongside Ohio firefighters.

“This law recognizes the contributions made by firefighters and provides them with the same benefits that other public servants receive,” said Brown. “America’s firefighters literally put their lives on the line for us. By providing federal loan forgiveness, we’re recognizing and rewarding this service.”

Brown was joined today by Ohio Fire Marshall Mike Bell and IAFF Local 92 President Jim Martin who explained how the legislation will help recruit and retain firefighters who are proficient in the latest fire protection technologies. Given the high costs of college, many firefighters struggle to afford higher education. However, firefighter responsibilities have become complex and dependent on advanced technology. Brown’s bill would help communities recruit firefighters who are proficient in the latest fire protection technologies.

Brown’s legislation, the Fire Fighter Higher Education Incentive Act (S.2385), was included as a provision in the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008. This bill which was signed into law on August 14, 2008. His legislation assists federal, state, city, and county fire districts in the recruitment of highly educated firefighters by expanding Federal Perkins Loan cancellation programs for public service employees to include firefighters. Under the new law, full-time firefighters employed by federal, state, or local jurisdictions will now be eligible for this program. Previously, only Perkins debt for teachers, nurses, military, and law enforcement officers was forgiven.

Nearly 78 percent of firefighters ages 25 to 44 have pursued a college education, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Yet in the past 20 years, the cost of college has tripled nationally, leaving students in severe debt.  According to the International City/County Management Association, the average initial salary for a full-time firefighter is less than $35,000, while the average maximum salary for a fire fighter is just over $47,000.

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