The scholarships help support students at 13 Kentucky colleges and universities, and one each in Ohio and Virginia. Founded in 1999, The Kentucky Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation’s original purpose was to build a memorial that would honor all Kentucky officers who have been killed in the line of duty. Once the monument was completed in 2000, the organization expanded its efforts to include a financial endowment program, which helps Kentucky peace officers and their families with educational, medical and emergency relief.
In 2004, the foundation created this scholarship program to help law enforcement officers, dispatchers and their families pay for college. It is restricted to law enforcement officers and dispatch personnel (current, retired or disabled) and their survivors or dependents. The scholarships may be used at any accredited college or university, including two-year and community colleges and may also be used for attendance at recognized or certified vocational or trade schools. Students do not have to major in law enforcement or criminal justice to be eligible for the scholarship. “The goal of the Kentucky Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation has always been to honor and help the officers of this state,” said KLEMF Executive Director Drexel Neal. “I cannot think of a better way to honor the fallen heroes of the past and our officers of today than to help educate their survivors, their comrades and their dependents for a better future.”
Gerald F. Healy was a founding member of the KLEMF organization and served on the board of directors until his death in January 2009. The owner of 14 McDonald’s franchises in central Kentucky, Healy embraced the philosophy of giving back to the community and was instrumental in starting the KLEMF college scholarship program.
Fall 2015 semester Gerald F. Healy scholarship recipients are:
*Callie Edrington of Lexington, University of the Cumberlands
*Tony Jansen of Fort Thomas, Northern Kentucky University
*Andrew Sticklen of Dover, University of Kentucky
*Emily Sticklen of Dover, Northern Kentucky University
*Katherine Thacker of Louisville, Liberty University
Samantha Ratliff of Virgie, Lindsey Wilson College
Kiersten Jackson of London, Eastern Kentucky University
Brandon Clark of Ashland, Georgetown College
Patrick Melton of Frankfort, University of Pikeville
Matthew Clark of Lawrenceburg, Eastern Kentucky University
Alexis Sumner of Hopkinsville, Hopkinsville Community College
Allison Myer of Mount Sterling, Morehead State University
Megan Schwartz of Walton, Morehead State University
Amy Nelson of Somerset, Eastern Kentucky University
Montanna Palmer of Winchester, Eastern Kentucky University
Christen Stewart of Shelbyville, Bellarmine University
Sgt. Christopher Heitzman of Erlanger, Eastern Kentucky University
Noelle Butts of Florence, Otterbein University
Mallory Butler of Villa Hills, Northern Kentucky University
Brennen Cabrera of Louisville, Kentucky School of Art
Seth Svebakken of Murray, Murray State University
Loren Roby of Mount Washington, Georgetown College
Nicole Bingham of Fisherville, University of Louisville
Chris Charles of Mount Sterling, Morehead State University
Kayla Hall of Cave City, University of Kentucky
Information provided by Abbie Darst, Department of Criminal Justice Training, Richmond, KY.
