FASNY Scholarship awarded to Owego student and volunteer firefighter

The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) recently awarded the 2017 FASNY Gerard J. Buckenmeyer Volunteer Scholarship to Jessica Jones of Owego, N.Y. Jessica received a certificate and scholarship of $1,500 for her volunteer service in the community from FASNY President Kenneth Pienkowski at Owego Free Academy’s awards and scholarships night.

“I come from a family with over 300 years of experience in the fire department,” said Jones. “I can honestly say it was my destiny to become a first responder. Of all the scholarships I applied to, this one meant the most to me because volunteers don’t always get recognition for the work that we do.”

After joining Owego Fire Department at 16, Jessica was awarded Rookie of the Year. She will be attending Elmira College in the fall, where she will study to one day be a trauma nurse. Jessica also became an EMT in May, following in the footsteps of her mother, father, and older sister.

Jessica’s dedication to her community is evident outside of the fire department as well. For the past three years, she has been a part of her church’s youth group, receiving the Hands of Christ award for her passion for teaching younger children. She has also participated in the YES LEADS program, a unique youth leadership program focusing on substance abuse prevention. Jessica works to educate young people and act as a positive role model.

Jessica is one of 20 students chosen for this scholarship. 

She stated, “I poured my heart and soul into my scholarship essay and tried to show everybody who I am and what I do. It means so much to be recognized at the state level.”

Scholarships are awarded on the basis of an applicant’s volunteer service to his or her community, such as serving with a local fire department, scouting, church, school, work with senior citizens, fire prevention, and other projects. Additional criteria include consistent demonstration of good character and completion of a written essay.