Fairfax, VA - The International Association of Fire Chiefs Foundation (IAFC Foundation) is proud to announce the creation of the Chief Charles A. “Chet” Henry Memorial Scholarship Award. This annual scholarship is made possible by a generous donation from VFIS, a Division of Glatfelter Insurance Group and is established in memory of Chief Henry who died on June 25, 2011 after a long period of declining health.
Chief Henry led a life that epitomized his commitment to public service. He began his career with the fire service in 1963 where he actively served his community for over two decades first with the Harrisburg (PA) Fire Department where he rose through the ranks to become Chief. Then he was selected to serve as the first State Fire Commissioner in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Throughout his career he led with dignity and courage. Under his leadership and dedication to the state’s fire prevention educational programs, fire deaths in Pennsylvania had dropped by twenty percent at the time of his retirement in 1989. In his obituary it is written “Well done, good and faithful servant”; this sentence perfectly summarizes Chief Henry’s dedication to his community, his family and the fire service.
Mr. Anthony P. Campisi, President of the IAFC Foundation and President/CEO of the Glatfelter Insurance Group stated, “We believe it is only fitting to honor Chief Henry’ contributions to the fire service by establishing a memorial scholarship award in his name; one that financially supports the educational goals of one of tomorrow’s fire service leaders. Chief Henry was a great leader who worked tirelessly to make a meaningful difference in the fire service on both a local and national level.” Mr. Campisi went on to say, “I hope that others will consider giving back to the fire service by working with the IAFC Foundation to establish a scholarship award to honor or memorialize heroes in their own community.”
The recipient of the inaugural Chief Charles A. “Chet” Henry Memorial Scholarship Award is Dustin M. Lofy who is currently a Firefighter/EMT IV with the Pewaukee (WI) Fire Department and a volunteer firefighter/EMT IV at the Richfield (WI) Fire Department. Firefighter Lofy is currently pursuing a Bachelors of Science degree.
Each year, the IAFC Foundation awards educational scholarships to well deserving fire and emergency services personnel who are pursuing advanced learning opportunities. These awards have a positive impact not only on the individual recipients but on communities that they serve and protect. The IAFC Foundation relies on financial support from individuals and companies who value education and support the fire service to fund their scholarship program.
The IAFC Foundation was chartered as a nonprofit organization in 1974 and was originally organized by the International Association of Fire Chiefs. To make a donation or to learn more about the organization please visit our website at www.iafcf.org.
