Would you run into a burning building to save someone you’ve never met? Rush to the scene of a disaster to offer first aid? Crawl through wreckage to pull someone to safety? If you would do these things, would you do them with no thought of compensation for a job well done? Public safety volunteers do these brave deeds daily, sacrificing their time, safety and sometimes even their lives to ensure that the rest of us get to go home to our families. These individuals are cut from a special cloth and deserve to be thanked a million times over. One way the state of Indiana is showing thanks is through the Indiana Homeland Security Foundation. The Foundation offers financial support for critical public safety needs across Indiana, and is one of the first of its kind in the nation. Revenue from “Secure Indiana” license plate sales is the primary funding for the Foundation. For a small additional fee, these plates can be purchased in lieu of a standard plate design and are an easy way to give to a worthy cause. In order to promote the importance of careers in public safety, this year, the Foundation will be awarding nine “Secure Indiana” scholarships of up to $2,000 for students attending an Indiana college. Full-time students with at least twelve credit hours are eligible for a $2,000 scholarship while part-time students with at least six hours are eligible for a $1,000 scholarship. These funds are intended to reimburse eligible student educational expenses. Who can apply? An Indiana resident who is a current or incoming college student who: 1. Attends or will be attending an accredited Indiana college. 2. Has a grade point average of 2.8 or higher on a 4.0 scale. 3. Volunteers at a public safety organization such as a fire department, law enforcement agency, emergency management agency or emergency medical services Applications require: 1. Completed Foundation Scholarship Application Form and an official college or high school transcript (for incoming freshmen). 2. Recommendation letter from the public safety organization’s chief executive describing the volunteer work completed by the applicant. 3. Resume or list of past employment, awards, honors, and/or volunteer/service activities. 4. A minimum 500-word essay describing why the applicant is applying for this scholarship and why the applicant wishes to pursue a career in public safety. 5. Completed Vendor Information Form (State Form 53788) http://www.in.gov/auditor/files/SF53788_Vendor_Information.pdf. How to apply? If you are interested in submitting an application, please contact the council coordinator, Mary Fields, at mafields@dhs.in.gov for the materials you need. The application closes on November 26th, 2013. Awards will be announced in mid-April 2014. Questions should be directed to mafields@dhs.in.gov. I am extremely grateful for those who put their lives on the line to keep others safe. The world is full of uncertainty, and it’s people like you who make me feel a little safer stepping out of my front door. Thank you for your service. -30-
Rep. Crouch (R-Evansville) represents portions of Vanderburgh and Warrick counties. |
