For Immediate Release – October 21, 2025
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — At the Monday, October 20th Township Committee Meeting, the Committee unanimously passed a resolution to adopt participation in the Volunteer Tuition Credit Program under N.J.S.A. 18A:71-78.1 et seq. This state-authorized program allows municipalities to offer tuition credits at no cost to the Township.
Through this program, eligible volunteer firefighters, Emergency Medical Services, and Office of Emergency Management personnel and their families can receive tuition credits in a New Jersey post-secondary program on a tuition-free basis in a county college, county vocational school, or county technical institute in an amount not to exceed a maximum of $2,400 for the member, children, and spouse.
Building on the program first launched in January 2025, tuition reimbursement complements existing incentives designed to recruit, retain, and recognize exemplary volunteers. Other financial incentives include a $10,000 first-time homebuyer loan, a $500 annual property tax reimbursement, and waivers for certain municipal fees.
“Our volunteers are the heart of Middletown,” said Mayor Tony Perry. “They give countless hours of their time to protect our residents, and this new tuition reimbursement benefit is another way we can express our gratitude, invest in their future, and continue to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to supporting and retaining them.”
To learn more about the Middletown Emergency Volunteer Incentive Program or to apply, visit middletownnj.org/ourvolunteers.
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Correction Notice (October 24, 2025)
The press release titled “Middletown Township Expands Emergency Volunteer Incentive Program to Include Tuition Reimbursement” (issued October 21, 2025) incorrectly stated that the Volunteer Tuition Credit Program is authorized by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA). The program is authorized by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA).
We regret the error.