First Responders are being given more time to apply for funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello has extended the deadline until February 10 to help agencies recover from the COVID pandemic.

"Fire and EMS service providers were hard hit during the pandemic. They were hit with staffing shortages, medical and administrative costs, and equipment issues while struggling to maintain their day to day service," said Executive Bello. "Some agencies had to lay off employees. Others are still experiencing shortages of both paid and volunteer staff- adding stress to the current staffing and responding to fire and EMS calls."

The funds may be used for workforce development, medical expenses, as well as efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.