(Sidney) — A scholarship opportunity honoring a fallen Fremont County deputy is available for area high school seniors looking to pursue a law enforcement career.
The application window for the Deputy Melvin Richardson “Be Good” Memorial Scholarship through the Community Foundation for Western Iowa has opened. Richardson was killed in a traffic crash on Highway 275 in June of 2022 while on active duty. Foundation President and CEO Donna Dostal tells KMA News the scholarship was established in 2023 after members of the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office and Richardson’s widow, Jennifer, approached the foundation looking for a way to keep his memory alive.
“They wanted to make sure that his memory stayed alive and he was so dedicated to his service as a law enforcement officer,” said Dostal. “So, this scholarship is a great way to keep his memory alive and continue to bring folks to law enforcement in the communities that we serve.”
The scholarships are available to high school seniors in Fremont, Mills, and Page counties. Dostal says any senior looking to pursue a career in criminal justice or law enforcement is eligible, with priority given to students who are partaking in the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office Cadet Program.
“It can be for a four-year institution for someone who wants to go on and get a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or in law enforcement–any thing like that,” Dostal explained. “But, it can also be used for young people that want to go become an EMT or something like that–particularly at maybe a community college or a trade school.”
Funds from the Deputy Melvin Richardson Memorial Golf Tournament have helped finance the scholarships. Dostal says the name of the scholarship comes from the words that Richardson often shared with the students involved in the Sheriff’s Office’s cadet program and his co-workers.
“Any time he would leave the station or meet with a group, he always told them to be good and he always wanted people to be good and he lived his life in that way–to be good,” she said. “So, that’s why his family and the sheriff’s department in Fremont County decided to name the scholarship the ‘Be Good’ scholarship.”
In a 2023 interview with KMA News, Fremont County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Ashton Luke said giving back to the community, particularly to area youth, was a big deal for Richardson. Thus, family and colleagues felt a scholarship was the best way to honor his memory.
“Just being able to grow this fund and see the impact it’s going to have on future law enforcement officers that come back to our area is huge,” said Luke. “I don’t think he would have loved to see his name everywhere, but by putting his name on it, we’re going to be able to remember him, these kids are definitely going to be able to remember him, and we’re not going to forget his name.”
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on March 15th. For more information on how to apply, visit givewesterniowa.org/giving/scholarships and select the Deputy Melvin Richardson “Be Good” Memorial Scholarship Fund. Dostal says seniors can also visit with their school’s respective guidance counselor on how to apply.
Originally published on kmaland.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.
Mainly cloudy this evening, then a light mix of wintry precipitation overnight. Low 24F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precip 40%..
Mainly cloudy this evening, then a light mix of wintry precipitation overnight. Low 24F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precip 40%.
Updated: February 14, 2025 @ 8:32 pm
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