Firefighters award two scholarships

Two East Fork cadets received scholarships to attend Western Nevada College.

Cadet Kevin Quenga received a $1,000 scholarship. He is a 2010 Douglas High School graduate, and will continue his course of studies in fire science. By attending fire department trainings as an East Fork cadet, he has completed most of his first semester degree requirements.

Victoria Weirauch was awarded a $500 scholarship. She expects to graduate this year. She will continue her course of studies in fire science, with an interest in chemistry and hazardous materials response.

"This was a difficult decision this year for our scholarship committee," said East Fork Fire Capt. Allen Anderson "We received the most applications ever."

The East Fork Professional Firefighters, International Association of Firefighters Local No. 3726, awarded the scholarships June 18.

The union-sponsored scholarships are awarded based upon the merits of the applicants. Both students were high school seniors, maintained the educational requirements of the East Fork cadet program, completed one or more of the four basic East Fork Fire & Paramedic Districts volunteer training programs, logged community service hours, and completed an essay to the scholarship committee.

Anderson commended the other attending cadets on their scholarship submissions, and added he was sorry there could only be two winners.

Cadet Advisor Toni Braga said she is very proud of the cadets' accomplishments.

"By cadets, like Kevin and Victoria, participating in the East Fork Cadet program and volunteer training we gain an entry-level-trained volunteer firefighter that is ready to serve their community when they turn 18 years old."

She said this is the third year the union has sponsored the scholarship program.

The union scholarships are funded through a portion of the revenues collected from the Professional Firefighter's of Nevada vehicle license plates, union membership dues, and private donations.

The scholarships were awarded by Fire Capt. John Bellona, president of the East Fork Professional Firefighters; along with county commissioners Doug Johnson and Nancy McDermid, who serve as members of the fire board for EFFPD.

The awards ceremony was attended by East Fork firefighters, staff, cadets, and family members.