Lakeland Fire Department Awards 2 'Career Scholarships'

LAKELAND, FL — The Lakeland Fire Department has awarded two "career scholarships" to deserving students who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to become firefighters.

Jessica Olaez and David Vasquez, both of Polk County, will receive more than $3,500 in books, tuition, uniforms and exam fees as a result of the scholarships.

"The fire service has provided many firefighters with a successful career and enriching experiences," said Lakeland fire officials in awarding the annual scholarships. "It is the department's hope that through this program, the same can be afforded to even more potential firefighters."

The scholarship program has been offered since 2014 and is intended to provide the opportunity for a successful career in the fire service to deserving students who face financial hardship.

Fire officials said the scholarship recipients also benefit from mentoring by Lakeland firefighters. Scholarships include paid tuition to Ridge Career Center's Fire Standard Program, books and materials, required uniforms and paid exam fees for all exams.

Applications are being accepted through May of 2020 for the 2020-2021 Fire-Service Opportunity and Career for Under-served Students Scholarship program also known as FOCUS.

"The scholarship program was born from the department's desire to help those in need in its community, while at the same time addressing the need to develop a workforce that is more representative of its community," said fire officials.

The program is open to people 18 and up who meet financial, physical, and admission requirements for the Ridge Career Center's Fire Academy. Detailed information about the FOCUS Scholarship and a testimonial video from a successful graduate is available here.