KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – A new scholarship for children of Knoxville firefighters was announced Wednesday.
Graduating seniors with a parent who works for the Knoxville Fire Department will be able to apply for the $5,000 scholarship starting in the 2025-26 school year.
It’s endowed by Pittman Properties to honor the service of William “Bill” Pittman. Pittman joined the Knoxville Fire Department in 1963 and retired as a fire marshal in 1998.
“The idea for the scholarship basically came from my personal experience,” Pitman’s son said. “I was the son of a firefighter, and it’s very common, as many of you know, for firefighters to work multiple jobs to provide for their families, that was certainly true for my father. He worked multiple jobs, and he was a serial entrepreneur.”
The money can go towards a 4-year university or community college or for vocational/technical training.
The scholarship will be administered by the Knox Education Foundation.
“When the Pittman family approached us to assist with establishing this scholarship, we immediately agreed as this type of scholarship will be meaningful to 95% of the folks we serve,” said Michael Taylor, CEO of Knox Education Foundation. “We are looking forward to awarding the first scholarship in 2025 and proud to be a partner in serving the Knoxville Fire Department employees.”
The foundation will announce how students can apply in 2025.
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