Kentucky Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation Awards $44,500 in Scholarships

A total of $44,500 in scholarships has been awarded to 25 Kentucky students by the Kentucky Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation (KLEMF).

The Gerald F. Healy Kentucky Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation Scholarships are awarded to students who are surviving family members of officers killed in the line of duty, as well as dependents of current and retired officers and dispatchers. Dependents are awarded $1,500 toward the fall 2023 semester and survivors receive $5,000.

The scholarships support students at 10 Kentucky colleges and universities, and three out-of-state institutions.

Founded in 1999, The Kentucky Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation’s purpose was to build a memorial that would honor all Kentucky officers who have died 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 the families of Kentucky peace officers and dispatchers with educational, medical and emergency relief.

“We are proud that the Kentucky Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation has this opportunity to give back to the officers and dispatchers who serve our Commonwealth by assisting their families through this educational benefit,” said Brian Bowling, KLEMF Board of Directors chairman.

In 2004, the foundation created this scholarship program to help law enforcement officers, dispatchers and their families pay for college. 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 Scholarship Committee Chair 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 2023 semester Gerald F. Healy scholarship recipients are:

Cooper Adkins
Richmond

Luke Colebank
Shelbyville

Emma Daly
Ft. Thomas

Vince Dentinger
Shelbyville

Julia Dentinger
Shelbyville

Lauren Dishner
Hazard

Brayden Durman*
Versailles

Jaden Duvall
Louisville

Dylan Eslinger
Maysville

Vivian Fannin
Clay City

Melissa Howard
Chavies

David Hughes
Alvaton

Isabella Hughes*
Louisville

Brady Kilburn
London

Reagan Kilburn
London

Carly Martin
Somerset

Kasey Meade
Allen

Carly Nettles
Burkesville

Alaina Poe
Maysville

Kadin Ray
Central City

Averie Richardson
Cecilia

Carter Sizemore
Richmond

Hallee Smoot
Lexington

Kaylee White
Louisville

Michael Wright
Georgetown

* Denotes survivor