Missouri’s governor has signed a new law aimed at boosting the recruitment and retention of first responders by covering the full cost of college tuition for qualifying personnel and their children. The Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act provides this benefit to responders with at least six years of service and to their dependents if the responder has served for at least ten years.
Recipients must agree to remain in Missouri while pursuing their degree or for five years after first receiving the aid. Officials say the move could help ease financial strain on families and offer more professional opportunities for those in public safety roles.
With first responder shortages affecting departments across the Midwest, some see the new law as a possible model for neighboring states facing similar challenges.
