Edward J. Kiernan Scholarship Awards Hit New All-Time High

Ten high school graduates have been awarded the Edward J. Kiernan Scholarship by the International Union of Police Associations. Every year, the I.U.P.A. selects promising students who demonstrate academic excellence coupled with the desire to pursue studies and careers within the law enforcement field in order to assist them with the costs of attending an academic institution. This year, due to the number of impressively accomplished applicants, there were more scholarships awarded than ever before. 2018 Recipients:

• Devin Edward Lewis Alston of Las Vegas, NV plans to spend his career designing Law Enforcement buildings
• Kayla Cunneen of Pompano Beach, FL will be a Lawyer/Prosecutor
• Matthew Svarczkopf of Brasher Falls, NY plans to work in Federal Law Enforcement
• Anthony D’Urso of Stormville, NY seeks a profession in Cybersecurity
• Sarah Coleman of Cooper City, FL will be a Criminal Lawyer
• Gabriella Decker of Watkins Glen, NY  seeks a career in Counter-Terrorism
• Daniel Bortle of Fircrest, WA will be a First Responder
• Michael Farina of Hawthorne, NY seeks a career as a Forensic Scientist and Criminologist
• Kenzie Richards of Sherwood, OH will be a Psychologist
• Kelsey Linkous of Rossford, OH has chosen a profession as a Forensic Psychologist

 The Edward J. Kiernan scholarship was established in 1999 by Sam A. Cabral, I.U.P.A.’s International President to honor Edward J. Kiernan, a New York City Police Officer and former I.U.P.A. President in recognition of Eddie’s long commitment to the improvement of law enforcement officers’ and their families’ lives. In order to qualify for a Kiernan scholarship, an applicant’s parent or guardian must be a member of an affiliate of the I.U.P.A.  The applicant must also be accepted at an accredited university or college in a course of study in law enforcement, labor relations, or a related field.   He or she must submit a transcript as well as their SAT scores and a letter of recommendation by an official from the applicant’s school. END NOTE:Originally chartered in 1979, the International Union of Police Associations is the only chartered labor union that exclusively represents law enforcement personnel.  The more than 100,000 law enforcement personnel represented by the I.U.P.A. are all full time employees of law enforcement agencies ranging from line officers up to first line supervisors as well as civilian employees.  The I.U.P.A.’s mission is to protect and advance officers’ wages, benefits, and work conditions.  Membership includes officers from agencies throughout the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.  More information is available atwww.iupa.org.