William Lee Ward is ready for a second chance at higher education.
The Williamsburg (Va.) Fire Department veteran firefighter was recently awarded the 2014 Virginia Fire Chiefs Association Scholarship which he plans to use to pursue an associate degree in fire science with CSU — again.
“I was previously enrolled in Columbia Southern University’s fire science program in 2010. Regrettably, due to life events, I had to put my education on hold,” explained Ward.
However, now Ward can resume his quest and use the award to cover tuition for up to 24 months for his online degree program with CSU.
Ward hopes his education will help him reach his career goal of becoming a department head within the Williamsburg Fire Department. He currently serves as lieutenant on an as-needed basis for the department which has 33 career firefighters and four administrative officers.
During his 21 years in the fire service, Ward has shown a sincere dedication to the service as he has worked with new recruits by participating in the Tidewater Regional Fire Academy in Virginia Beach, Va., as a burn team member and guest instructor. He also has served on department hiring panels and is well-respected among his peers.
The Virginia Fire Chiefs Association works “to serve the communities of Virginia through its fire service leaders and advances the fire and rescue service through leadership, education and advocacy.”
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