FDNY Members Receive Scholarships

January 14, 2019

On Monday, January 14, 15 FDNY members received New York State Honorary Fire Chiefs Association (NYSHFCA) scholarships at FDNY Headquarters.

Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro; Acting Chief of Department John Sudnik; Michael Hill, the President of the New York State Honorary Fire Chiefs Association; David Gold, the scholarship chairman for the association; and Mark DeFazio, Scholarship Co-Chair presented the scholarships at the event, which was attended by FDNY members and their families.

This year, 15 FDNY members received a scholarship of $3,000 towards continuing their education. This year’s recipients are Captain Nicholas Pinto, Lieutenant Brian Jablonski, and Firefighters Jeremiah Barbera, Benjamin Chou, Michael Decker, Scott Fine, Christopher Ford, Jason Genao, John Mayberger, Michael Meyer, Elizabeth Parks, Anthony Perrone, Alcide Salce, Steven Seymour, and Joseph Soto.

“Over the next year, these scholarship recipients will be attending college level classes, while also continuing their day job; protecting our city and responding to countless emergencies day after day,” said Commissioner Nigro.

Firefighter Joseph Soto of Engine Company 38 is one this year’s scholarship recipients.

“I am very thankful and honored for this opportunity,” said Firefighter Soto. “I’ve been in this Department for five years and it has motivated me to become a better person. It uplifts you. I love being a Firefighter. Every time I go home after a tour, I know I’ve made a difference in someone’s life. I am excited to be able to start using this scholarship.”

More than 80 FDNY members have been awarded scholarships through the NYSHFCA program, with more than $200,000 donated towards their education.

For photos of the scholarship presentation, click here.