Laitrice Edwards
Laitrice Edwards of Brooklyn, New York, has been named the recipient of the FDNY Scholarship. She has spent 17 years with FDNY, beginning as an EMT and progressing through the ranks to her current role as division chief.
“My educational journey began five years ago as a promise to my son, who had lost motivation for school,” she said. “I committed to earning my college degree if he graduated from high school. What began as a personal commitment evolved into a renewed passion for learning and professional growth.”
With this scholarship, Edwards plans to pursue a master’s degree in criminal justice administration.
“I am committed to breaking barriers while strengthening emergency preparedness, operational efficiency and community resilience,” she said. “I also intend to mentor future leaders, particularly women and individuals from underrepresented communities, by demonstrating the impact of education and perseverance.”
Eric Lang
Eric Lang of Wausau, Wisconsin, has been awarded the NAEMT Scholarship. He is the deputy fire chief with the South Area Fire and Emergency Response District.
“In the communities I serve, we identified a lack of carbon monoxide detectors through EMS calls and fire code inspections, and we turned that risk into a life-saving initiative,” he said. “By offering detectors free of charge, installing them at no cost and increasing awareness, this initiative strengthened community safety and proactive risk-reduction efforts. Through partnerships, education and prevention, we helped protect families from this silent but deadly threat.”
With this scholarship, Lang plans to pursue a master’s degree in fire executive leadership.
“At the South Area Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) District, we have worked to build a strong organizational culture, expand professional development opportunities and leverage social media to implement recruitment strategies targeting motivated, high character candidates.”
Melanie Bachmeier
Melanie Bachmeier of Norfolk, Virginia, has been awarded the Signal Mutual Scholarship. She is a corporate environmental, health and safety (EHS) manager with AMP United.
“One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the loss of experienced workers and the gap that’s being left behind,” she stated. “A lot of what we do isn’t written down—it’s learned over time through experience by working alongside people who have been doing it for years. As that generation starts to retire, that knowledge is walking out the door with them.”
With this scholarship, Bachmeier plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree to support her career in the safety profession.
“Because of where I am in my career, I feel a responsibility to help bridge that gap,” she said. “I want to take what’s been learned the hard way and turn it into something that can be clearly taught, repeated and improved—not just to make the work easier, but to make it safer, more consistent, and something the next generation can actually build on instead of struggle through.”
Jelani Obafemi
Jelani Obafemi of Loganville, Georgia, has been awarded the Criminal Justice Scholarship. He is a former police officer with the New York Police Department (NYPD) and is currently a school resource officer in Georgia.
“From October 2019 to January 2025, I served at the NYPD’s first ever community center in East New York, Brooklyn,” he explained. “It was built by the NYPD in a neighborhood dealing with gang and teen violence.”
With this scholarship, Obafemi plans to pursue an associate degree in criminal justice.
“Targeting young men ages 12 to 19, specifically those from single-mother households, I designed a curriculum rooted in self-sufficiency and dignity. Seeing these young men evolve has been one of the greatest rewards of my life.”
Rodkeshia Louis
Rodkeshia Louis of Port St. Lucie, Florida, has been named the recipient of the Hero Behind the Hero Scholarship. She currently works with the city of Port St. Lucie in human resources.
“Beyond the financial relief, this scholarship would also provide a sense of security and encouragement,” she said. “It would allow me to move forward without the stress of choosing between financial stability and my education.”
With this scholarship, Louis plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in human resource management.
“With this support, I would be able to complete my program on time, stay on track with my professional goals and continue building a future that reflects the hard work and dedication I’ve already invested.”
Danford Clark
Danford Clark of Norcross, Georgia, has been awarded the Public Administration Scholarship. He is a human resource supervisor with TPP Atlanta LLC.
“Making a difference in my community has always been a priority for me, and I have intentionally sought opportunities to serve those in need throughout the Atlanta area,” he said. “One of the most impactful ways I have contributed is by supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. I have participated in efforts to prepare and distribute meals, ensuring that people facing difficult circumstances have access to food and compassion.”
With this scholarship, Clark plans to pursue a master’s degree in human resources.
“Beyond food support, I have also been involved in community improvement initiatives,” he said. “I assisted in cleanup efforts in underserved areas of Atlanta to help prepare spaces for new housing developments. Being part of that process allowed me to contribute to creating safer, more stable environments for families in need.”
To learn more about scholarship opportunities, visit ColumbiaSouthern.edu/Scholarships.
Disclaimer: These testimonials may not reflect the experience of all CSU students.
Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography, and degree field, affect career outcomes.
CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.
