In a special presentation at the City of Brampton's Fire/Life Safety Education Centre, Brampton Fire and Emergency Services' Chief Bill Boyes presented the 2019 George Hitchcock Memorial Endowment Fund to Zachary Drenters.
Zachary, a 24-year-old Brampton-born resident, is currently pursuing a post-secondary diploma at Humber College in their Fire Services program, with the goal of becoming a firefighter one day.
Zachary credits his passion for a career in the Fire services to his father, a firefighter of 28 years at the Toronto Fire Services.
The memorial endowment fund bursary of $1,000 will be put towards Zachary's tuition fees.
(From left to right): Brampton and Caledon Community Foundation Director, Hannah Bahmanpour; Brampton Fire and Emergency Services Platoon Chief, Paul Bebbington; 2019 George Hitchcock Memorial Endowment Fund recipient, Zachary Drenters; Brampton Fire and Emergency Services Chief, Bill Boyes; Brampton and Caledon Community Foundation Administration/ Event Management, Michelle Ruso
About the George Hitchcock Memorial Fund
In 2014, Brampton Fire and Emergency Services created the George Hitchcock Memorial Fund to honour the Late George Hitchcock. He served in the Brampton Fire Services for 33 years and played a pivotal role in the development and success of the Fire/Life and Safety Education Centre.
To qualify for this bursary, the applicant must have been a Brampton-based Canadian citizen (or able to work in Canada) pursuing an Ontario post-secondary diploma in a fire services-related program.
The application period was from January 21 to April 30, 2019. For more information about the George Hitchcock Memorial Endowment Fund, click here.
Quotes
"I extend my congratulations to Zachary Drenters on receiving the George Hitchcock Memorial Fund. Community safety is our priority and we want to encourage the youth of Brampton to be involved in our efforts. This is their community and their future."
- - Mayor Patrick Brown
"Brampton Fire and Emergency Services is pleased to present the George Hitchcock Memorial Fund to Zachary Drenters. Witnessing the passion that the next generation of firefighters exhibit is admirable. We encourage more Bramptonians to consider firefighting as a career path and for those that are, to apply for this bursary next year."
- - Brampton Fire and Emergency Services Chief Bill Boyes