CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) — Active firefighters and EMS volunteers who reside in Cumberland County can qualify for a real estate tax credit, according to the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners.

Under the Real Estate Tax Credit Ordinance, volunteers could be eligible for a tax credit of up to $250. This ordinance acknowledges the value and dedication of the volunteers, as well as helps to retain and attract new volunteers.

Cumberland County is the first county in Pennsylvania to implement the real estate tax credit for firefighters and EMS volunteers.

“We need to emphasize this is one small step, but we are going to need a lot of small steps to really arrest this downward trend,” Cumberland County Commissioner Gary Eichelberger said.

“Our cost continue to rise, we continue to see unfunded mandates, and EMS reimbursement for services rendered remain stagnant or is dwindling,” President of the Cumberland County EMS Council Duane Nieves said.

Members of volunteer fire companies or nonprofit emergency medical services within Cumberland County can apply for the tax credit, as long as they’re in good standing between January 1 and November 30.

“This is critical that they’re doing this and very appreciative,” Captain Rick Flinn of the Hampden Township Volunteer Fire Company said.