The scholarship will be bestowed to law enforcement personnel interested in furthering their education.
KISSIMMEE, Fla.– Sgt. Richard “Sam” Howard and Officer Matthew Baxter, of the Kissimmee Police Department, fell in the line of duty earlier this year. They left behind young families and an entire community that loved them and appreciated their service. Florida Technical College is making sure their sacrifices are not forgotten by creating a scholarship that honors and carries on the officers’ civil service legacy.
“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself,” said FTC Kissimmee Campus Executive Director, Gabriel Garces. “That is a definition that applies squarely to these two officers. They paid the ultimate price to keep our community and families safe. FTC wants to make sure that something positive comes from this tragedy so that the officers’ legacy may live on and they may continue touching lives.”
The Sgt. Richard “Sam” Howard and Officer Matthew Baxter Memorial Scholarship will cover in full the Bachelor’s Degree program in Criminal Justice with Emphasis in Homeland Security, available residentially or online at the Kissimmee campus.
Howard, 36, and Baxter, 27, where shot last August while performing a routine check into three suspicious people near the intersection of Cypress and Palmway streets in Kissimmee. At some point during the check, one of the subjects opened fire. Baxter died almost immediately while Howard succumbed to his injuries the next day.
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must meet all the following criteria:
- Be an active Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) in Florida
- Have completed a State of Florida law enforcement academy program
- Submit a letter of recommendation from the Chief of Police or Sheriff from their respective agency.
- Write an essay of no less than 150 words detailing their contributions to the community and how a degree would help further their career.
Applications and accompanying materials will be evaluated by a board comprised by representatives of Florida Technical College, Kissimmee Police Department and the families of the fallen officers. Scholarship applications are available at FTC Kissimmee campus Financial Aid Department. Completed applications must be submitted to the Financial Aid Department by January 15, 2018. The recipient of the Memorial Scholarship will be determined by January 31, 2018.
Honoring Fallen Kissimmee Officers Through a Full Scholarship for Students
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About Florida Technical College: Founded in 1982 to provide private, post-secondary education in specialized fields, FTC is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. FTC offers associate and bachelor’s degrees and diploma programs in a range of professions, including healthcare, computer networking, web design, criminal justice, culinary arts, and cosmetology. FTC campuses are located in Orlando, Lakeland, DeLand, Kissimmee, Pembroke Pines, and Cutler Bay. Program availability varies by campus. Financial Aid is available for those who qualify. For graduation rates, median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit www.ftccollege.edu/disclosures.html.
