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SVFD SCHOLARSHIP COMES FULL CIRCLE TO CARE FOR THEIR OWN
For Immediate Release:
November 20, 2019
Contact:
Julie Happy
Community Affairs Manager
Spokane Valley Fire
509.892.4155
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SVFD SCHOLARSHIP COMES FULL CIRCLE TO CARE FOR THEIR OWN
A STORY OF THANKS FROM THE SVFD TO ONE OF THE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
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Spokane Valley Fire Firefighters set up a scholarship fund for non-traditional students in the Spokane Valley area to improve their quality of life by being able to attend college and earn a degree. The SVFD Firefighters felt that if they could help those members of the community improve their lives, the resulting effect would ultimately strengthen the Valley community and economy.
Alexis Skjelbred is one of those scholarship recipients who is now a certified cardiac RN at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center. She was awarded the Scholarship in 2013 and attended Spokane Community College of Nursing. With her education and training, Alexis was able to save her husband’s life when she recognized his heart attack symptoms. She was also able to give back to the SVFD by caring for many of their own Firefighters who have come in to Sacred Heart Medical Center. She considers being able to provide this care an honor and privilege.
“I remember a particular conversation I had with one of the firefighters who was at the end of his life. I was able to thank him personally for this scholarship and tell him how much it meant to me. Before he passed, he knew he helped to make a difference in my life,” Alexis shared.
The scholarship that cared for Alexis came full circle to care for one of the SVFD.
Alexis loves being a floor nurse but her goals don’t stop there. Alexis believes, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
Prior to receiving the scholarship, Alexis was working two jobs and raising two children. She applied for the SVFD scholarship and was one of the people who were selected as a recipient.
Alexis shared these words, “You can never give up, no matter what. It’s hard but it is so worth it. For me, knowing that I had the support of a Fire Department that believed in me enough to give me a scholarship so I could succeed in life professionally, that meant more to me than anything else. Because of that support, my children have gone to college and my family has had a quality of life we would never have achieved without my taking the steps to improve my professional opportunities by going to college.”
SVFD Firefighters want more citizens in our community who are trying to better their lives and enter the workforce to be able to do just that.
“We may help our community when they are experiencing their worst days,” said SVFD Firefighter Darrin Coldiron. “We can also help them reach their best days by providing the means and opportunities. Helping them to attend a local community college training program changes us all.”
Every year since, 5 to 8 scholarships are given. SVFD Firefighters feel they can build a community connection by improving the lives of those they serve. The students that receive the scholarships support, live, and work within our community.
Scholarships are directed toward nontraditional students who are pursuing a technical or vocational degree or certification, and who might be facing a financial hardship that is restricting them from reaching their goals. To be awarded an SVFD Employee Scholarship, applicants must live within the Spokane Valley Fire Department’s geographical service area.
Although the majority of the funding comes from volunteer payroll deductions by SVFD employees. Donations can also be made two other ways!
- A check can be made out to the CCS Foundation directly with ‘the George Sly Endowment’ written in the memo line.
- Or, you can donate online at org.
About SVFD
Spokane Valley Fire Department serves the cities of Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Millwood and the surrounding unincorporated areas of Spokane County with a combined population of 125,000 across 75 square miles. SVFD firefighter crews which include paramedics and EMT’s, responded to more than 17,487 emergency calls in 2018.
Established in 1940, SVFD is an Accredited Agency by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International; and, classified as an ISO Class 2 department by the Washington Survey and Ratings Bureau (WSRB). SVFD is one of four accredited departments in the state and the only department with distinction as an ISO class 2.
For more information about Spokane Valley Fire Department, visit www.spokanevalleyfire.com.
Follow us @spokanevalleyfire on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube.
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Did you Know?
- You can sign up for a station tour. Great for small groups.
- You should replace the batteries in your smoke alarms twice a year.
- Creating a defensible space with regards to wildfires could just save your home or property.
- We have Friends & Family CPR classes every month.
