Scholarships
Fire-Rescue International (FRI) Scholarships
This VCOS-sponsored scholarship program was developed to promote leadership through learning among volunteer and combination officers. Scholarships will be awarded based on the applicant’s description of how the department or the attendee will benefit from attendance at Fire Rescue International (FRI). Applicants for the scholarships must be members of the IAFC, but don’t have to be VCOS members.
In 2010, VCOS will award two $1,500 scholarships to attend FRI in Chicago, Illinois, on August 24-28, 2010. The two successful applicants will be notified by July 16 and will be awarded the scholarship checks at the conference. Therefore, scholarship recipients must be prepared to pay up-front expenses.
The application period for these scholarships is now closed. The two winners will be announced the week of July 26, 2010.
2009 FRI Scholarship Winners
Deputy Chief David Weiss of the Westmount Fire Department in Naperville, Illinois and Fire Chief Judy Thill of the Inver Grove Heights Fire Department in Eagan, Minnesota were selected as the winners of the VCOS 2009 FRI Scholarships.
VCOS Symposium in the Sun Scholarships
This VCOS-sponsored scholarship program was developed to assist chief officers from volunteer and combination departments which lack the financial resources to offer professional development to their leaders. The scholarships will be awarded based on the applicant’s description of how the knowledge gained at VCOS’s annual Symposium in the Sun will contribute to the betterment of their leadership skills and improved functioning at their department.
In 2010, VCOS will award two $1500 scholarships to attend Symposium in the Sun in Clearwater Beach, Florida from November 11-14, 2010. The application form will be accessible on this page by the second week in March.
To apply for the 2010 Symposium Scholarship, fill out the 
application form and submit it to the address listed by August 31, 2010. Additional pages may be added to the application, if desired.
2009 Symposium Scholarship Winners
Chief Mike Vaughn of the Washington (IL) Fire Department and Chief Mark Ellis of the Potterville (RI) Fire Department, recipients of the 2009 Symposium scholarships, stand with the VCOS Board of Directors. (photo)
New for 2010! Emerging Leader Scholarship
The Gasaway Consulting Group, LLC is sponsoring a new $1,500 scholarship, Emerging Leader Scholarship, to assist with registration and travel expenses for the 2010 VCOS Symposium in the Sun. “I am a big proponent of the concept of paying it forward” noted GCG President Dr. Richard B. Gasaway. “The VCOS and the Symposium in the Sun have played a very important role in my development as a chief officer. I am delighted to be able to give back to the VCOS and help a new chief attend this world-class conference.” Candidates should fill out the application form and email it to Chief Gasaway before the deadline of August 31, 2010.