Walter Panas High School Student Chosen as FASNY Volunteer Scholarship Winner

From the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York:

The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY), has awarded a 2015-2016 FASNY Gerard J. Buckenmeyer Volunteer Scholarship to Cooper R. Cardenas of Garrison, NY. At his ceremony at the Continental Village Firehouse in Garrison, NY on June 8th, Cooper received a certificate as well as a check for $1,500 for his volunteer service in the community from FASNY Director Santo S. Rivera.

Cooper will graduate from Walter Panas High School and attend Dutchess Community College this fall, majoring in Fire Science and Occupational Health. He will also be attending classes at Dutchess Community College for his Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification. “My goal is to become a Career Firefighter in either New York City or lower Westchester,” said Cardenas. “I’m also giving consideration to becoming a police officer; I just want an occupation where I can help people.”

Cooper is currently involved with the Continental Village Fire Department as well as the Peekskill Volunteer Ambulance Corporation, The Peekskill Office of Emergency Management and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. A year later after Cardenas joined the Fire Department, his father wanted to be involved and became a firefighter.

“I joined the [Continental Village] Fire Department because I have always wanted to help people and I feel like I excel most in emergencies,” said Cardenas. “I wanted to do something that made a difference in other people's life as well as my own.

Cooper was one of 15 students chosen for this scholarship out of a total of 115 applicants.

“This is an honor that means so much to myself personally but also to my family,” said Cardenas. “They are just as involved in everything as I am and deserve credit for their support.”

Scholarships are awarded on the basis of an applicant’s volunteer service to his or her community, such as fire department, scouting, church, school, work with senior citizens, fire prevention and other projects, 4-H, etc. Additional criteria are demonstration of good character and completion of a written essay.

About FASNY

Founded in 1872, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) represents the interests of the approximately 100,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel in New York State. For more information, visit www.fasny.com.

Photo: Cooper R. Cardenas, Continental Village Fire Department member to attend Dutchess Community College - honored at special ceremony