2007 - 2008 Award Recipients

Amber N. Hartfield of Gulfport, MS, will return as a junior to William Carey University this fall to continue pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Her father, Jeffery Cartledge, died in the line of duty while employed as a Paramedic with Acadian Ambulance & Air Med Service in LaFayette, LA. Inspired by her father’s commitment to the health care field, Amber hopes to work in pediatrics or the neonatal intensive care unit when she graduates. Amber is active in community service: she has participated in the American Heart Association Walk, and Student Humanitarians, and served as a volunteer in the children’s ministry at church. Amber has also been honored in the Who’s Who among American Junior Colleges for community service and leadership.

Ashley Smith of Palm Harbor, FL, will start her freshman year at St. Petersburg College this fall where she intends to pursue a degree in business. Ashley made the honor roll all four years in high school despite working part time. Described as very conscientious, her instructor has no doubts she will continue to do well at the college level. Her father, Wayne E. Smith, died on the line of duty serving the Fire Department of New York in New York, NY.

Gary Dundon Jr. of Succasunna, NJ, will start his freshman year at Pennsylvania State University this fall, where he intends to pursue a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Gary’s list of extracurricular activities includes membership in the National Honors Society, the National Spanish Honors Society, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and Key Club. In addition, Gary has participated in the Select Men’s Choir and has been an instructor at Master Cho’s Talium Taekwondo. His father, detective Lt. Gary Dundon, died in the line of duty while serving with the Office of the Prosecutor for the County of Warren, NJ.

Hope N. Holmes of Bartlett, TN, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in pre-medicine at the University of Memphis. Hope plans to become a medical surgeon and change lives through the miracle of medicine. In her free time, Hope tutors family friends and children from her church and enjoys spending time at the local elderly nursing home. Her father, Trent A. Kirk, served the City of Memphis Fire Department in Memphis, TN until he died on the line of duty.

Leigh Ann Ronaldson of Montgomery, NY, will return for her fourth year at Mt. Saint Mary’s College where she is pursuing a double major in English and Education with a certification in Special Education. Leigh Ann enjoys working with children and hopes to become a teacher one day. While attending school as a full-time student, Leigh Ann managed to keep a full-time job and juggle family obligations. Her father, Alfred E. Ronaldson, died on the line of duty serving the Fire Department of New York in New York, NY.

Matthew Abinante of Granite Bay, CA, will return as a junior this fall to Brigham Young University to continue pursuing a degree in exercise science. Matthew is an Eagle Scout who volunteers at a local hospital, plays piano, and enjoys snowboarding. In continuing his lifelong goal of community service, Matthew plans on becoming a medical doctor. His father, Michael McClung, died in the line of duty while serving the Colusa County Sheriff’s Department in California.

Richard G. Tiffany of Vancouver, WA, is pursuing a degree in fire science from Lower Columbia College. A volunteer firefighter since December 2006, Richard ultimate goal is to follow in the footsteps of his father to become a firefighter/paramedic. Richard plays baseball, soccer, basketball, and football in school and has learned everything from basic firefighter to Hazmat Operations and wildland firefighting. His father, Richard J. Tiffany, died on the line of duty serving the Clark County Fire District 12 in Clark County, WA.

Alexcia Hollis of Decatur, GA, will return as a senior this fall to Georgia State University to continue pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Journalism/Public Relations. Alexcia has persevered through many difficult circumstances in her life. A director of public relations for Habitat for Humanity at Georgia State University, Alexcia aspires to someday run her own public relations firm. Her father, Alfornia Hollis, served the City of Atlanta Fire Department in Atlanta, GA, until he died on the line of duty.

Sherry J. McAdams of Crandall, TX, will start her first year at the Dallas Institute of Funeral Services where she is pursuing an associate’s degree in applied science. A Sunday school teacher, Sherry hopes to work in the funeral services field to help people in their time of need. Her father, Michael McAdams, died in the line of duty while serving the Dallas County Fire and Rescue in Dallas, TX.

Samantha J. Powers of Claymont, DE, will start her first year at the University of Delaware where she will pursue a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Samantha hopes that her degree will prepare her to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming an elementary school teacher. Her father, Steven Powers, died in the line of duty while serving the Township of Upper Chichester, in Boothwyn, PA.

Alexandria Spruiel of Detroit, MI, will return as a junior this fall to North Carolina A&T State University to continue pursuing a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. A member of the National Honor Society, Alexandria desires to give back to her community just as her father once did. Her father, Norman Spruiel, served the City of Detroit Police Department in Detroit, MI until he died in the line of duty.

Tori L. Hauber of Pullman, WA, will return as a sophomore this fall to Washington State University, to continue pursuing a bachelor’s degree in animal science. A leader of several clubs, Tori also volunteers as a camp worker in her community and serves on the Dollars for Scholars campaign. Her father, Rusty Hauber, served the Yakima Fire Department in Yakima, WA until he died on the line of duty.

Timothy W. Salvadori of Healdsburg, CA. hopes to start his third year at New Hampshire Community Technical College in Claremont, NH to pursue an associate’s degree in respiratory therapy. A participant in the Russian River Clean Up and the Mexico Construction Project, Timothy desires to make a positive difference in his community by helping people. His father, Richard Salvadori, died during his sophomore year of high school, from a heart attack while at work in the field. Mr. Salvadori had worked for the City of Healdsburg for over 22 years in various capacities for the Public Works Department.

Brooke D. Wagner of Omaha, NE, will return for her senior year this fall to Creighton University where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Active in her community, Brooke has assisted in such causes as breast cancer awareness and the Ronald McDonald House. Her father, Mark Wagner, served the Nebraska State Patrol until he was killed-on-duty after 13 years of service.

Jennifer D. Wagner of Omaha, NE, will return as a sophomore this fall to Nebraska Methodist College where she is pursuing an associate’s degree in radiologic technology. A participant in community activities such as the Miss Nebraska Program and the Salvation Army, Jennifer hopes to receive certification and be hired by a hospital. Her father, Mark Wagner, served the Nebraska State Patrol until he was killed-on-duty after 13 years of service.

Kyle Winters of Greenfield, IN, will return to his sophomore year this fall at Indiana University where he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. Dedicated to helping other, Kyle works with underprivileged inner city children and volunteers with the Concerns of Police Survivors and the Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police. His father, Gregg Winters, served with the Muncie Police Department in Muncie, IN, until he was killed in-the-line-of-duty.

Madison L. Clark of Noble, OK, will return as a senior to Southern Nazarene University this fall, where she is working toward a bachelor’s degree in nursing. A nurse’s assistant at a local children’s hospital and the president of the Student Nurses’ Association, Madison calls nursing a passion that continues to grow with each clinical session she attends. Her father, Jim Clark, died in the line of duty while serving the Midwest City Fire Department in Midwest City, OK.

Moira A. Conlon of San Diego, CA, will return to Point Loma Nazarene University this fall, where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in special education. Moira’s dream of teaching children with special needs has led her to work as a special educator for the San Diego Unified School District. She hopes to eventually obtain a double Masters degree in the field of special education. Her father, Scott Gillen, served the Chicago Fire Department in Chicago, IL until he died in the line of duty.

Alicia S. Corey of Rochester, NY, will start this fall at the Isabella Graham Hart School of Nursing, where she is intends to pursue a degree in nursing. Inspired by her work at Lifetime Assistance Senior Day Care Center, Alicia wants to give back to her community by concentrate her nursing studies on geriatrics. Her father, William J. Robertson served the Fire Department of New York in New York, NY until he died on the line of duty.

Anita R. Elkins of Quartz Hill, CA, intends to pursue a degree in Educational Leadership from Fielding University. A teacher of 14 years and a recipient of the “Teacher of the Year” award last year, Anita hopes to someday teach at a university in a teacher preparation program. Her husband, Daniel Earl Elkins, served the Los Angeles County Fire Department in Los Angeles, CA until he died on the line of duty.

Conor Franklin of Warwick, NY, will return as a sophomore this fall to St. Bonaventure University, where he is working toward a dual bachelor’s degree in Biology and Business. Captain of his high school soccer team, Conor volunteered as a referee for the local teens and toddlers of the Community Recreational Soccer Club. Conor’s ultimate goal is to become a pharmacist and work in New York. His father, Donald Franklin, who served with the New York City Fire Department for more than 16 years, was killed in the line of duty five years ago.

Shane P. Franklin of Warwick, NY, will return as a senior this fall to State University of New York, Plattsburgh to continue pursuing a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Shane aspires to work in criminal law and plans to take the LSAT exam this summer and enter law school in the fall. His father, Donald Franklin, who served with the New York City Fire Department for more than 16 years, was killed in the line of duty five years ago.

Hope N. Holmes of Bartlett, TN, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in pre-medicine at the University of Memphis. Hope plans to become a medical surgeon and change lives through the miracle of medicine. In her free time, Hope tutors family friends and children from her church and enjoys spending time at the local elderly nursing home. Her father, Trent A. Kirk, served the City of Memphis Fire Department in Memphis, TN until he died on the line of duty.

Amanda N. Long of Westminster, CA, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work at the California State University, Long Beach. Amanda’s combination of empathy, intelligence, and dedication to community serve landed her a paid position with Hope for Long Beach, an organization dedicated to serve the city with mercy and justice. Her father, Daniel Elkins, died on the line of duty while serving the Los Angeles County Fire Department in Los Angeles, CA.

Tyler Maicach of Munster, IN, is pursing a bachelor’s degree in business and fire science at Trinity Christian College. His father, Douglas P. Maicach, was killed on the line of duty in a propane tank explosion at a trucking terminal fire serving the South Holland Fire Department in South Holland, IL. Inspired by his father’s commitment and dedication, Tyler seeks to live his life by his father’s high standards and strong work ethics. His guidance counselor describes Tyler as a compassionate, caring, diligent, highly motivated, and hard working young man, whose enthusiasm shines when it comes to helping others. Tyler is involved with drama production, bowling club, land loppers, tutoring and volunteers with care convention.

Lauren Maisano of Mio, MI, will start her freshman year this fall at Oakland University. Described as compassionate, caring and enthusiastic, Lauren is dedicated to her education and helping others. Lauren is a member of the Honor Society, volunteers with the 4H program, the ABC Reading program and mentors others in her community. Her father, David A. Maisano, died on the line of duty while serving the Mio Tri-Town Fire Department in Mio, MI.

LaVar C. Merrell of Chicago, IL, is pursing a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Knox College. A freelance sports intern for the city of Galesburg’s local newspaper, LaVar dreams of becoming a sports broadcaster and/or writer. LaVar possesses exemplary leadership skills which he volunteers through the coaching the Ray Graham’s Special Olympic athletes. His father, L.C. Merrell, served with the Chicago Fire Department in Chicago, IL, until he died on the line of duty.

Megan M. Mickle of Pittsfield, MA, will start her first year at Springfield Technical Community College in an X-ray technician training program. Already a Certified Medical Assistant at an Internal Medicine Physician’s office, Megan desires to further her education. Described as possessing a natural concern and compassion for people, Megan has been the strength that has kept her family together. Her father, Wayne Mickle, served the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation, Bureau of Forest Fire Control, District 1 until he died on the line of duty

Derek M. Nadeau of Somerset, MA, will return for his sophomore year at Bridgewater State College where he is pursuing a degree in criminal justice. Described as having a genuine willingness to help people and a hard work ethic, Derek worked to supplement the cost of his full-time education to help his family financially. Derek is a graduate of the Teen Police Academy and plans to pursue a career in criminal justice as a police officer or state trooper. His father, Gerald W. Nadeau, served the Fall River Fire Department in Fall River, MA, until he died on the line of duty.

Alexander Strube of Canon, IL, will start his first year at the Illinois Central College this fall where he intends to pursue a degree in fire science. Alexander is active in his church, participates in music and sports extracurricular activities, and volunteers for the annual St. Jude Run in support of his younger brother diagnosed with leukemia. Alexander aspires to follow in his father’s footsteps to become a professional firefighter. His father, Howard E. Strube, died on the line of duty serving the Canton Fire Department in Canton, IL.

Corey J. Strube of Canton, IL, will start his first year at Southern Illinois University this fall where he intends to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Pre-Medicine. Corey aspires to become a medical doctor someday because he has seen first hand the essential role they play in helping others. Corey participates in the Marching Band, Jazz Band, and a band with the youth group at church. He also volunteers annually for the St. Jude Run from Canton to Peoria to benefit childhood cancer. His father, Howard E. Strube, served the Canton Fire Department in Canton, IL, until he died on the line of duty.

Joel Wall of Los Angeles, CA, is pursuing certification in the field of sound engineering from the Los Angeles Recording School. Joel shares a passion for music with his father, Thomas O. Wall. Among other musical inspirations, his father taught him how to play the guitar. He hopes that receiving certification will open opportunities for him in an industry he loves. Thomas O. Wall served the Orange County Fire Authority in Orange County, CA, until he died on the line of duty.

Sarah Crow of Oregon City, OR, will return to her second year at Midwestern University as a graduate student in pursuit of her doctorate in osteopathic medicine. Described as an excellent team player by the Chair of the anatomy department, Sarah worked hard to also help support her mother and sister financially. Her father, Randall Carpenter, died in the line of duty while serving the Coos Bay Fire and Rescue in Coos Bay, OR.

Tara K. Franklin of Warwick, NY, will return for her senior year at St. Bonaventure University this fall where she is pursuing a degree in elementary education. An MVP member of the varsity college swimming and high school soccer teams, Tara plans on becoming an elementary school teacher. Her father, Donald L. Franklin, died in the line of duty after 16 years of service with the City of New York, Fire Department.

Evan Barnhart of Ticonderoga, NY will return as a junior to Tennessee Temple University where he is pursuing a degree in secondary education in American history. In addition to teaching American history, Evan is interested in sports management and coaching. He heads up the intramural sports program at TTU and works for the afternoon sports program at a local private boys’ school. Evan’s father, Officer David Payne of the Lewiston Police Department, died in the line of duty when he was shot by a parolee who attracted police attention by running his vehicle off of the road. Officer Payne had served with the agency for two years.

Alexa Kulpa of Herndon, VA will graduate in November with a Bachelor’s degree in baking and pastry arts management from the Culinary Institute of America. She plans to continue her education after graduation and hopes to become a research and development chef. Her father, Gary Friedli of U.S. Customs Investigations, died in the line of duty when responding to smuggling call. Alexa was twelve years old when her father was killed.

Alizabeth Logsdon of Douglas, WY will return to Pensacola Christian College as a senior this fall. She will graduate in May with a degree in speech communications. Her father, Patrolman Chris Logsdon of the Wyoming Highway Patrol, died in the line of duty when responding to a drunk driver call. Patrolman Logsdon’s cruiser flipped several times when he swerved to avoid the suspect, who was driving on the wrong side of the road. Her twin sister, Bethany, is also a recipient.

Bethany Logsdon of Douglas, WY will return to Pensacola Christian College as a sophomore this year to continue pursuing a history degree. Her goal is to earn her helicopter pilot’s license after graduation. Her father, Patrolman Chris Logsdon of the Wyoming Highway Patrol, died in the line of duty when responding to a drunk driver call. Patrolman Logsdon’s cruiser flipped several times when he swerved to avoid the suspect, who was driving on the wrong side of the road. Her twin sister, Alizabeth, is also a recipient.

Jordan Miller of Malvern, IA will begin his studies this fall at Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, IA. He hopes to earn a degree in business finance. Jordan’s stepfather, Deputy Gilbert Androy, was fatally injured when he fell down a flight of stairs answering a domestic assault house call. He burst through a locked door to enter the residence and did not know that there were stairs immediately inside. Jordan was eight years old when his father died.

Pedro Ortiz-Colon of Clover, SC will be a freshman at the University of South Carolina this fall. He is working towards a bachelor’s degree in political science and has plans to go to law school upon graduation. Pedro’s long-term goal is to become an attorney in the Court of Appeals and then be elected to be a statesman. His father, Officer Ortiz Ocasio, was killed by gunshot while working for the Puerto Rico Police Department. Pedro was four years old when his father was killed.

Natasha Palmer of Atlanta, GA is a student at the Art Institute of Atlanta, in Atlanta Georgia. She is pursuing a degree in interior design. Officer Alvin Palmer, who served with the Philadelphia Housing Authority Police, was shot while pursuing a robbery suspect. Natasha was seven years old when her father was killed.

Brooke Wagner of Omaha, NE will be a senior at Creighton University, where she is working toward a degree in nursing. Her father, Trooper Mark Wagner of the Nebraska State Patrol, was shot and killed accidentally during a training exercise. Brooke was 14 when her father was killed. Her sister, Jennifer, is also a recipient.

Jennifer Wagner will graduate this spring from Nebraska Methodist College, where she is working toward her degree in radiology technology. Her father, Trooper Mark Wagner of the Nebraska State Patrol, was shot and killed accidentally during a training exercise. Jennifer was 16 when her father was killed. Her sister, Brooke, is also a recipient.