ABOUT THE FUEL THEIR FIRE SCHOLARSHIP
A York Professional fire fighters association and B.P.O.E. scholarship fund in memory of our local fallen fire fighting heroes
The York Professional Fire Fighters Association and the B.P.O.E (York Elks 213) have teamed up to achieve their common goal of providing three annual scholarships to deserving York County, PA residents, while at the same time honoring the memory of our fallen local fire fighting heroes. The idea for these scholarships was born out of the tragic events of a building collapse at the old Weaver Piano building on Broad Street in York City on March 22, 2018 in which Fire Fighters Ivan Flanscha and Zachary Anthony lost their lives. The fear that the names of these two brave men may eventually fade in the memory of the community over time sparked the idea of creating an annual scholarship in each of their names. Fundraisers were soon launched, and with the help of countless volunteers who selflessly donated their time, the scholarship account began to slowly grow. York Elks 213, an organization that has always prided itself on its support of local First Responders, heard about the effort and decided that a scholarship honoring all of York County's fallen fire fighting heroes would be a perfect fit with the original two scholarships for Ivan and Zach. The discussion was short and the decision easy... The YPFFA and the B.P.O.E would combine their efforts and the third scholarship was formed. Now with a more substantial fund and a larger group of volunteers, not only will the Ivan Flanscha and Zachary Anthony Scholarships be sustainable for many years to come, but so too will the York County Fallen Fire Fighter Scholarship, ensuring that ALL of York County's Fallen Fire Fighters will be remembered for many years to come.
THE HEROES WHO INSPIRED FUEL THEIR FIRE
Ivan Kenneth Flanscha
(Badge #46). Ivan started with the York City FD in 1999 and was selected Fire Fighter of the Year in 2004. Ivan had an incredible work ethic and was dependable and reliable to those who knew him. He had an unforgettable presence, good looks, and a smile that lit up the room. He was also a dedicated father. He was just 50 years old when he passed away in the line of duty on March 22,2018, doing what he loved: serving his community of York, Pennsylvania as a dedicated Professional Fire Fighter.
Zachary john anthony
(Badge #47). Zachary was a graduate of Florida State Fire College. He realized his career dream of becoming a Professional Fire Fighter when he was hired by the York City Fire Department. He spent a substantial amount of his time helping others in the community, including strangers on and off shift. Zachary was admired for his relentless free-willed spirit and quirky sense of humor. Zachary was just 29 years old when he passed away in the line of duty on March 22, 2018, fulfilling his passion and serving his community.
YORK COUNTY FALLEN FIRE FIGHTERS
One of the unfortunate realities of serving the community as a Fire Fighter is the potential for injury or death. The job is not for the faint of heart, and yet even when presented with the knowledge of these risks, many men and women still take the oath without hesitation. There is an innate desire to want to serve and protect the community that seems impossible to ignore for these heroes. They will often miss holidays with their families, their children's sporting events and school recitals. They work weekends and evenings when most people are home relaxing with their families. They learn to cope with the death and destruction they see throughout the years. Most will complete their careers, having served admirably, doing their best to suppress the bad memories, while recounting those positive moments when they may have saved a precious life or valuable property. Selflessly serving the community is the true essence of a Fire Fighter.
There are those, however, who never got the chance to complete their careers on their terms. Fate dealt them a hand that every Fire Fighter knows could be on every "next call". These are the heroes who died in the Line of Duty (LODD). They should never be forgotten, and the Fallen Fire Fighters of York County Scholarship is our way of making sure that these men and women are remembered by the community for their ultimate sacrifice.
How the Three annual scholarships work
Each year we will award scholarships to three deserving persons legally residing in York County Pennsylvania, who are seeking an educational opportunity in the area of Emergency Services (Fire Fighter, Paramedic, EMT, Law Enforcement) for which a traditional educational institution may not be required. Additionally, Fire Science, Criminal Justice, Nursing, and Conservation which may require an Associates Degree or Bachelors Degree from a traditional educational institution, will be eligible. Scholarships for financial aid toward Certificate Programs, Training Programs, or Continuing Education Courses related to the areas listed above in this paragraph will be considered at the discretion of the Fund Trustees.
If you or someone you know qualifies and is interested, fill out the application on the official website here.
