FREDERICKTOWN — The FHS Alumni Association announces the “Fredericktown Firefighters Association Scholarship,” the sixth one established in 2025.
This new fully endowed scholarship will be the 40th “Freddies Helping Freddies” scholarship. The association will award it for the first time in 2026.
The Fredericktown Firefighters Association is comprised of firefighters who proudly serve with the Fredericktown Community Fire District (FCFD).
Being a volunteer-based fire department, these men and women graciously expend considerable time and effort, above and beyond their normal professions and daily lives, to assist others in their time of need.
Although these firefighters are labeled as “volunteers,” they possess the same training and certifications as “career” firefighters. They perform the same job duties and are subject to the same risks. This makes them special people who put others before themselves.
While all calls for help to FCFD may not necessarily be classified as an emergency, the firefighters believe that the person making the call deems the matter to be serious enough to reach out for assistance.
The firefighters make every effort to resolve all situations to a satisfactory conclusion. This service requires a high level of dedication and compassion for others. It also requires a diverse base of knowledge and skills.
Fundraising activities support initiatives
Members of the Fredericktown Firefighters Association conduct annual fundraising activities to support various initiatives. Initiatives include member retention, departmental improvements, and charitable activities.
They conduct all of these initiatives in addition to the firefighting requirements. The funds raised are held strictly separate from the tax-based income received by the FCFD.
When asked what motivated the firefighters to fund this scholarship, Fire Chief Scott Mast said, “The primary purpose of this scholarship is to recognize the generations of individuals who selflessly made a commitment to the FCFD to render assistance to others, regardless of the situation and the risk.
“It is to also recognize the family members who sacrifice invaluable family time and worry for the welfare of their firefighter.”
When questioned about the firefighters’ mission and goal, Mast said, “Our mission is to be wherever we are needed, whenever we are needed, for whatever reason we are needed.”
Additionally, he said the goal is “to be the best volunteer fire department in the nation.”
“We are thankful for all those willing to accept the mission and the goal,” Mast said.