Contact: Mark E. Brady, Public Information Officer, [email protected]
The Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation (YLD) is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2025 Scholarship and Special Projects Award Program. This year, the Foundation will increase its total funding to more than $50,000, continuing its commitment to developing leadership within the fire, rescue, EMS, hazardous materials, and emergency management fields.
This year’s awards will include up to eight scholarships in the amount of $4,000 each, for a total of $32,000. In addition, the Foundation will make available two Brunacini Special Projects Awards, valued at up to $10,000 each.
The deadline to apply is October 30, 2025, and recipients will be announced in late December. The number of scholarships and special projects awarded will be based on qualified applicants as determined by the Scholarship and Awards Committee.
Scholarship applicants are required to answer a series of brief essay questions focused on leadership development in the fire and emergency services, and to submit three letters of recommendation.
Applicants for the Special Projects Award are required to answer brief essay questions outlining their proposal. In addition, applicants will participate in an online interview with the Awards Committee to provide a more detailed explanation of their proposed project.
There are two application types: the general Scholarship Application and the Brunacini Special Projects Award Application. Applicants for the general scholarship will be considered for one of four memorial categories based on the content of their application. These awards are given in memory of Deputy Fire Chief James G. Yvorra (fire and emergency services), Emergency Medical Technician Donald E. Sellers (EMS), Chief John M. Eversole (hazardous materials), and Chief G. Crawford Wiestling (firefighter safety and health). The Brunacini Special Projects Award was introduced in 2024 and is presented in memory of Chief Alan Brunacini to support innovative projects that contribute to leadership development in the profession.
Eligible applicants include active career or volunteer members of the fire service, emergency medical services, rescue, hazardous materials response, and emergency management, as well as active duty or reserve U.S. military personnel serving in emergency response roles.
Previous YLD Scholarship and Award recipients can be viewed here.
The YLD Scholarship Program continues to support the development of individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to leadership and excellence in public safety. Full program details and application instructions can be found on the Foundation’s website.