New York state is launching its first training stipend program for volunteer firefighters.

The program is designed to support the efforts to strengthen and stabilize New York’s declining volunteer fire service.

A total of $10 million will help offset the costs of training courses which volunteer firefighters are required to complete.

The stipends will range from $500 to $1,250 depending on completion of certain courses.

Volunteer fire departments serve approximately nine million New Yorkers, nearly half of the state’s population.

In addition to fires, they also help at accidents, medical emergencies, hazmat spills and weather-related rescues.