Charlie Riley. Community service. Firefighting.
“Helping others is what I do best. Whether I am working as the Precinct Operations Manager, organizing a fundraiser, cooking barbeque for a local organization, or making music at church, you can always count on me to give 100%,” said Riley.
In honor of Riley, a scholarship known as the Charlie Riley Community Service Scholarship was created by his sons. His wife is also very supportive of this foundation and attended the ceremony for the most recent winners.
This foundation honors the memory of the 52-year-old member and chief of Abingdon Volunteer Fire Company. He was also a member of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association Hall of Fame and the Harford-Cecil Volunteer Firemen’s Association.
In the past eight years of this foundation being established, $160,000 has been awarded to 160 EMTs/Firefighters and students. In 2013, a total of 23 scholarships were awarded, 12 of which went to seniors of high schools in Harford County Public Schools. The other 11 were awarded to the volunteer firefighters and EMTs of Harford County.
To be considered for this scholarship, students had to write four short essays. These essays would consist of topics like why that particular student would need financial aid. Along with that, students had to fill out an application which was primarily focused on the amount of community service they have done. Then judges would narrow the selection down to one student from each school in the district.
On the other hand, the EMTs and firefighters could apply with the same requirements and one from each firehouse is chosen by the judges as well.
The overall winner who was awarded $2,000 was Patricia Good from Harford Christian School. Good is a quintuplet, meaning she has four siblings that are her same age.
This year, senior Sarah Fielder was chosen as the North Harford High School representative. She was chosen out of many applicants to be awarded $1,000 to help with her future endeavors. Fielder was also given a plaque and certificate to remember this great achievement.
“I plan on applying for many scholarships so the cost of college is less detrimental to my family,” says Fielder.
She is very appreciative of this award and glad all her hard work has paid off.
“I’m very grateful for the Charlie Riley Foundation for creating this scholarship and recognizing kids for their community service.”
The community had many nice comments about Riley proving he was a man of great character and community service is something he was extremely passionate about. Even though Riley has passed on, he left behind a great legacy that will continue to change the lives of many.