FDNY Members Receive New York State Honorary Fire Chiefs Association Scholarships

January 26, 2018

On Friday, January 26, 2018, 15 FDNY members received New York State Honorary Fire Chiefs Association (NYSHFCA) scholarships at FDNY Headquarters.

15 FDNY members received a scholarship of $3,000 towards continuing their education. This year’s scholarship winners include, Batalion Chief Michael Massucci; Batalion Chief Robert McBride; Batalion Chief Michael Woods; Lieutenant Jonathan Kappel, Lieutenant Joseph Lennon, Lieutenant Claudia Medina, Lieutenant Richard Quenzer, Lieutenant Matthew Quinn, Firefighter Benjamin Chou, Firefighter Giselle King, Firefighter Marcus Matulik, Firefighter Elizabeth Parks, and Firefighter Alcide Salce.

First Deputy Commissioner Laura Kavanagh thanked the NYSHFCA for their continued partnership with the Department.

“These scholarships are not simply financial assistance for our members pursuing degrees, these scholarships are investments for our members towards their future,” said First Deputy Commissioner Kavanagh. “We thank the New York State Honorary Fire Chiefs Association for their generosity in supporting our members.” 

Firefighter Giselle King of Engine Company 15 is one of this years’ scholarship recipients. She’s looking forward to continuing her higher education and is thankful for the support from the Department and NYSHFCA.

“I feel overwhelmed and super proud – it makes me feel like my hard work is paying off – in order to rise through the ranks I would need to continue my education,” said Firefighter King. “I really want to finish my degree as I withdrew from school to become a Firefighter and I think this is coming to full circle – and now that I am part of this Department and I have some years on, I am taking the time to finish that degree – it is a great honor and privilege to not only be a part of the FDNY but be recognized and supported by the Department in my endeavors to complete my education.”

More than 70 FDNY members have been awarded scholarships through the NYSHFCA program, with nearly $200,000 donated towards their education.

For photos of the scholarship presentation, click here.