SOUTHERN TIER, N.Y. (WENY) -- Volunteer fire departments from Pine City, Watkins Glen, Millport and Lansing are set to get thousands of dollars from New York State's $10 million volunteer firefighter training stipend program. Governor Kathy Hochul (D) made the announcement on Friday, June 21st, saying the money will help save lives and keep firefighters safe.

“Volunteer firefighters put their lives on the line each day out of a selfless dedication to serving and protecting our communities,” Hochul said in a prepared statement.

As it stands, Millport is getting $1500 in reimbursements for one firefighter, Pine City is getting $55250 for five firefighters, Watkins Glen is getting $2250 for three firefighters, and Lansing is getting back $2000 for a training program for one firefighter.

"These investments affirm our commitment to their service, and to the vital role they play in keeping New Yorkers safe,” said Hochul.

According to the Governor's office,roughly nine million New Yorkers, or nearly half of the state’s population, are served by volunteer firefighters. Despite playing a vital role in local communities, recruiting has gotten difficult for many departments. The hope is that by helping with training, some barriers preventing some people from serving their community will be made easier or removed.

"Training should not be a barrier to those who want to serve. Governor Hochul created this stipend program to help offset the personal costs of training for those who give so much of themselves to protect the public and keep us safe across New York State," said Jackie Bray, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner, in a prepared statement.