NEWBERRY — The Newberry Fire Department recently awarded the first two scholarships for the Newberry Fire Department Recruitment/Retention Scholarship Program to Tyler Havird and Ashley Livingston.

Captain Gene Shealy, recruitment and retention coordinator for the NFD, presented the scholarships. Each candidate received $2,000 in tuition and books assistance for the 2016-2017 school year. Livingston will be attending Presbyterian College and Havird will attend Newberry College.

The program was developed with funding from a SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire Emergency Response) Grant as an incentive to help recruit and retain members. Havird and Livingston are active members of the Newberry Fire Department Explorer program and graduates of the fire management program at the Newberry County Career Center.

The Newberry Fire Department will accept applications for the 2017-2018 year beginning in October. The scholarships are available to active Newberry volunteer firefighters and Explorers who have been affiliated with the department for at least six months. Applications are reviewed and scored by non-fire affiliated members. The Newberry Fire Department also is accepting applications for volunteer firefighters, age 18 and over, and Explorers, ages 14-21.

Call 803-321-1030 or visit scvolunteerfire.org for more information.

Ashley Livingston receives her scholarship from Captain Gene Shealy.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_DSC_0277-2-.jpgAshley Livingston receives her scholarship from Captain Gene Shealy. Courtesy photos

Tyler Havird receives his scholarship from Captain Gene Shealy.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_DSC_0301-2-.jpgTyler Havird receives his scholarship from Captain Gene Shealy. Courtesy photos

Staff Report