Steve Young Memorial Scholarship Program
Celebrates its First Fifty Recipients

By Sara Frieden

Just over a year since the Steve Young Memorial Scholarship Program announced its initial award, the program has provided its first fifty surviving spouses the opportunity to go back to school to help them take on their new role as sole supporter of their families.

“The scholarships help our nation’s survivors pick up the pieces of their lives by providing spouses personalized career counseling, funding for additional education, and books,” said Chuck Canterbury.

Kimberly Burgert, a recipient and mother from Sayre, Pennsylvania, was awarded the scholarship on 27 October 2004.

“Since my husband was murdered, my life has been full of heartache and chaos,” said Burgert “As a nurse, I was working 12-hour shifts and would not see my son for three days at a time while he stayed with my parents. I have done the best I could to provide a stable environment for my three year old and with his best interest at heart, I want to go back to school to work in a profession where I can see him more often.”

Burgert’s husband, Deputy Sheriff Christopher Burgert, was an officer with the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office. On 31 March 2004, he was fatally shot while trying to serve a warrant, leaving his wife alone to raise the family.

“This scholarship comes from people who care and understand what we go through,” Burgert said. “It helps us regain some control in our lives and reminds us how many good people there are out there that do want us to succeed with what’s left of our families.”

Debra Fisher, another recipient and mother of two from Hazleton, Indiana, was given the scholarship on 25 August 2004.

“I am a 15-year employee of the USDA and have been interested in furthering my education in order to get a better job within my field,” Fisher said. “I could never afford it on the small salary I make.”

Fisher’s husband, Officer Jerry Fisher, was an officer with the Gibson County Sheriff’s Department. On 3 October 2001 he died from a massive heart attack on duty while conducting a training exercise with his K-9 partner.

“I will finally be able to follow in my husband’s footsteps, who went back to school before his death, and graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice,” Fisher said.

Patricia Vazquez, another recipient and mother of two from Tomball, Texas, was awarded the scholarship 18 February 2005. “The program is helping me to regain my confidence after the loss of my husband,” Vasquez said. “With the scholarship money I plan to pursue a master’s degree in accounting and then prepare to take the certified public accountant exam.”

Vasquez’s husband, Officer Alberto Vasquez, was an officer with the Houston Police Department. On 22 May 2001, he was killed while making an off duty drug arrest from a gunshot wound to the head.

Scholarships of up to $15,000 are awarded based on the anticipated needs of the recipient. Funds can be used to pay for education programs, job training, career counseling, and other support services. Scholarship recipients can use the money to learn new skills, upgrade current skill sets, or pursue and complete a two-year, four-year, or graduate college degree.

Eligible survivors have six months after the death of their spouses to apply to the FOP Foundation. Applicants do not have to be FOP members. For additional information, please contact Project Director Sara Frieden at (202) 547-8189.

Sara Frieden is the Project Director for the Steve Young Memorial Scholarship Program at the National FOP Foundation.

Click here to visit the Steve Young Memorial Scholarship Program website

Click here for their online application.