CLAYTON — Three town firefighters have earned scholarships from the N.C. State Firefighters’ Association, a first for the department and a rare feat statewide.
Fire Marshal Michael Tatum and Capt. Kyle Driver each received $8,000, while Capt. Joel Shanks received $2,000. It’s the first time multiple members of the same department have won in the same award cycle, the town said.
“This is unheard of,” said Fire Chief David Ranes. “The NCSFA program is highly competitive, with limited funding and hundreds of applicants from across the state. To have three members selected from one department is a testament to the caliber and dedication of our team.”
Statewide, the NCSFA awarded $240,000 in 2025 to firefighters and graduating high school seniors from firefighter families. Out of 197 applications, the association awarded just 45 scholarships — 15 each in the Western, Piedmont and Eastern regions. Clayton was one of 73 applicants in the east.
The scholarships help firefighters meet Clayton’s requirements for advancement. The town’s fire captains and battalion chiefs must hold at least an associate’s degree, and Clayton encourages higher-level officers to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
“These awards remove financial obstacles and open doors,” Ranes said. “They not only help our staff pursue personal goals but also prepare them to lead and serve in greater capacities within the organization.”
Tatum is finishing his bachelor’s degree in fire and emergency services administration at Fayetteville State University. “This has been on my to-do list for years,” he said. “Thanks to this scholarship and one additional award, my remaining tuition is fully covered. I’m grateful for the support.”
Driver is also pursuing a bachelor’s degree, and Shanks is working toward an associate’s degree.
Ranes said investing in education was essential to developing future leaders. “I won’t be here forever,” he said. “It’s my job to help develop the next generation of leaders. Opportunities like this, combined with the town’s tuition reimbursement benefit, allow our firefighters to gain a solid educational foundation without the burden of student debt. That’s a win for them and a win for our community.”
The NCSFA’s scholarship program began in 1972 with the Jim Bailey Memorial Scholarship Fund. What started as a $1,000 annual award has grown into a statewide scholarship program.
