Orange County Fire Volunteer Receives Scholarship

CIRCLEVILLE, NY — The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York awarded the 2018 FASNY Gerard J. Buckenmeyer Volunteer Scholarship to Thomas Weinert of Circleville, Orange County. Weinert received a certificate and scholarship of $1,500 for his volunteer service in the community from Chan Rivera, member of the FASNY Board of Directors.

"My whole family has been in the fire service and I wanted the same opportunity to give back to the community," Weinert said. "I longed to be a part of that environment."

Weinert plans to attend Farleigh Dickinson University to major in biology on a pre-med track.

Outside of the firehouse he is a member of the varsity soccer team, varsity swim team and National Honor Society. His brother is a member of the Circleville Fire Department and his father is a retired FDNY firefighter who worked at Engine 83/Ladder 29 in the South Bronx.

Weinert is one of 25 students chosen for this scholarship.

“I am honored to have been chosen to receive this scholarship. It means a lot to me, my family and my fire department. It will also help to cover the costs of my education, allowing me the opportunity to pursue my dreams in medicine, he said.

Scholarships are awarded on the basis of an applicant’s volunteer service to his or her community, such as serving with a local fire department, scouting, church, school, work with senior citizens, fire prevention and other projects. Additional criteria include consistent demonstration of good character and completion of a written essay.

The Gerard J. Buckenmeyer FASNY Volunteer Scholarship program is made possible each June through the generous donations of individuals, fire departments and auxiliaries. This year, Provident Agency Inc., the provider of the accidental death and dismemberment insurance for FASNY members, has again provided major underwriting support to help FASNY award scholarships to young volunteers. FASNY also recognized the in-kind support donated by McNeil and Co., which provides more than 80 hours of administrative work needed to process the applications and awards

Photo caption: Thomas Weinert. Photo credit: Courtesy.