| The IAFC Foundation have created a scholarship fund in memory of Heather Westphal |
The IAFC Foundation voted to establish the Heather Westphal Memorial Scholarship Fund to benefit women first responders at its April 2009 board meeting. This fund is created in memory of Heather Westphal, IAFC's membership marketing manger who died in a tragic accident in October 2008.
The fund is supported by the IAFC. Mark Light, IAFC's executive director, stated, "On behalf of the IAFC, we're honored to support the Heather Westphal Memorial Scholarship Fund. All who worked with Heather or knew her can take comfort that her passion for and intention to improve the fire service is reflected in this scholarship fund benefiting women first responders."
"Women are in the minority in the fire service and the IAFC supports efforts to increase participation and promote advancement for women. In this way, we can remember Heather, honor her efforts to improve the fire service and benefit women in the fire service through educational scholarships," said Chief Ernest Mitchell, Jr., IAFC President 2003-2004, member of IAFC's Human Relations Committee and a member of the IAFC Foundation board.
The International Association of Women in the Fire Service is also supporting this scholarship fund with a donation from their organization. iWomen president Cheryl Horvath said, "iWomen is pleased to partner with the IAFC Foundation in this effort to provide advancement opportunities for women through this newly created memorial scholarship in honor of Heather Westphal." Division Chief Horvath encourages all iWomen members to support the fund and consider applying for this scholarship.
The IAFC Foundation hopes to reach its goal of $10,000 by August and make the first annual award this fall. To donate to the Heather Westphal Memorial Scholarship Fund, contact Judy Kirk at jkirk@iafc.org or call +1 703 537 4830 or print and return this IAFC Foundation Donation form.
The deadline for this and all IAFC Foundation scholarship applications is June 1, 2009.
In addition to the Heather Westphal Memorial Scholarship, the IAFC is pleased to offer Motorola Future Leaders Scholarships for company officers, which are made possible with the generous support of Motorola; the Federal Military Scholarship; the Garry L. Briese Scholarship; scholarships for Fire Explorers; and general scholarships.
For more information visit www.iafcf.org.