NFPA Awards Scholarships to Fire Protection Engineering Students

NFPA Journal, Sep/Oct 2006

EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS

THREE STUDENTS HAVE been selected to receive scholarships from the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Fire Safety Educational Memorial Fund based on their academic achievement, leadership abilities, contributions to fire safety activities and pursuit of careers in fire safety. Each scholarship is $5,000.

Derek Bergsten, a 17-year-member of the fire service and currently a lieutenant in the Rockford, Illinois Fire Department, is the recipient of the George D. Miller Scholarship. Established in 2002, the scholarship was created in tribute to NFPA's former president and chief executive officer. Bergsten aims to complete a master's degree in public administration and attain the rank of district chief officer within the next five years as he works toward his long-term goal of becoming fire chief.

Nicholas Ozog, currently pursuing a master's degree in fire protection engineering at the University of Maryland, was awarded the John L. Jablonsky Scholarship. The scholarship aids graduate students in fire protection engineering programs in the United States and Canada. Ozog has served as a volunteer for numerous local community organizations as well as Special Olympics and Habitat for Humanity.

Roger Harrison, a graduate student at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, was awarded the Memorial Fund's David B. Gratz Scholarship, established for students enrolled in fire science or engineering programs outside of the United States or Canada. Harrison is conducting research that aims to provide improved guidance to fire engineers in the design of smoke management systems involving thermal spill plume.