Chief James P. Seavey, Sr. Scholarship - Apply by 5 PM ET June 30
Apply for the Seavey, Sr. Scholarship
$1500 VCOS-sponsored scholarship is awarded to IAFC-VCOS members only
This VCOS-sponsored scholarship to Symposium in the Sun was named in the memory of Chief James P. Seavey, Sr., who was a VCOS At-Large Board Member that passed away Sept. 4, 2018, after a courageous five-year battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Throughout his career, Jim’s passion was elevating morale, empowering members to exceed expectations, and providing through example unparalleled selflessness at every opportunity. Jim is remembered for his extraordinary devotion to family and for often undertaking duties that transcended traditional roles. While he shared in human weakness, he was unwavering in his values, commitment, and ethos. He was a faithful soul and he joined in a strong love for God.
The Lavender Ribbon Report: Best Practices for Preventing Firefighter Cancer, which he researched and co-authored, was a timely example of Jim’s national influence. Setting out 11 actions that can dramatically reduce deaths of first responders from cancers caused by the very fires they fight, it was published by the International Association of Fire Chiefs- Volunteer and Combination Officers Section and the National Volunteer Fire Council.
This scholarship seeks an individual that embodies the ideals of Chief James P. Seavey, Sr. Someone that has made it their goal to ensure the health and wellness of their sisters and brothers physically, mentally and spiritually.
The successful applicant is notified a few months before the conference and is awarded their $1500 scholarship check at the Symposium in the Sun. Therefore, scholarship recipients must be prepared to pay upfront expenses.
Chief James P. Seavey Scholarship Winners
- 2024: Chief Dan Eggleston, Albemarle County (VA) Department of Fire and Rescue
- 2023: Chief Gary Self, Chathem Fire (IL) Department
- 2022: Ben Nalborczyk, Chief, New Market District Volunteer Fire Department (MD)
- 2021: Chief Joseph Chornock, Germantown (MD) Volunteer Fire Department
- 2019: Chief Paul Sullivan, Middle River (MD) Volunteer Fire & Rescue
- 2018: Chief Ken Keiter, Eudora (KS) Fire Department
- 2017: Captain Richard Andrews, Gilford (NH) Fire-Rescue and Chief William Jones, Roanoke Island (N.C.) Volunteer Fire Department
- 2016: Chief William Rector, Dunkirk (MD) Volunteer Fire Department Inc.
- 2015: Chief Tim Stuckey, Sheridan (AR) Fire Department and Battalion Chief Corinne Piccardi, Cabin John Park (MD) Volunteer Fire Department
- 2014: Chief Ken Ranalli of the Demorest (GA) Fire Department and Chief Jennifer Williams of the Southeast Chickasaw (MS) Volunteer Fire Department
- 2013: Deputy Chief David Hodges of the Maryville (TN) Fire Department and Chief David Weiss of the Westmont (IL) Fire Department
- 2012: Fire Chief Donna Black, EFO, of the Duck (N.C.) Fire Department and Fire Chief Jason Catrambone of the Spanish Peaks-Boncarbo (CO) Fire Protection District
- 2011: Firefighter/EMT Amanda K. Gingell of the Harrisville (RI) Fire Department and Fire Chief John R. Nixon, Antioch (IL) Fire Department
- 2010: Fire Chief Jeff Karrow of the Alexandria (MN) Fire Department and Assistant Chief Kevin D. Hardwick of the Glendale (OH) Fire Department
- 2009: Chief Mike Vaughn of the Washington (IL) Fire Department and Chief Mark Ellis of the Potterville (RI) Fire Department were the recipients of the first Symposium scholarships.