A Kissimmee college has launched a scholarship bearing the names of two honorable law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the service of their community.
- Kissimmee college launches scholarship honoring slain officers
- Scholarship for officers who want to further education
- Deadline to apply for scholarship Jan. 15
The scholarship will be given out to an officer interested in furthering their education.
Sadia Baxter and BJ Howard stood next to Kissimmee Police Department Chief Jeff O’Dell as their slain husbands were honored.
“This has been extremely difficult on them,” said Chief O’Dell.
Officer Matthew Baxter and Sergeant Richard "Sam" Howard were shot and killed in August while on the job. Florida Technical College is now putting together a scholarship program in memory of both officers.
“This scholarship is specifically for law enforcement officers,” explained Chief O’Dell. “There is as, part of the essay, you've got to talk about your impact in the community so that certainly ties to both Sam and Matthew.”
This is a full-ride scholarship for criminal justice with an emphasis on homeland security that can be taken on campus or online.
The executive director of Florida Technical College Gabriel Garces said education can positively impact police performance.
“Those who have careers advance. There’s also improved performance on the job. They are noted to be a connection between those who advance to a higher post-secondary degree,” Garces said. “The further they go in their careers the better they perform on their jobs.”
And while for these two mothers talking about what’s happened still brings tears to their eyes, Chief O’Dell believes words aren’t needed when you have a community that has put their arms around each other.
“My hope is that we find a way to continue that momentum and keep those officers in our thoughts and prayers and current in what we’re doing,” said O’Dell. “So that in the end my hope is that our community has that bond all the time, not just when something bad happens.”
The deadline to apply for this scholarship is Jan. 15, and the announcement of the winner will be made on Jan. 31.