Lifeguard is first recipient of SWFD scholarship

Senior lifeguard Ross Carter was awarded the AirHeart 1 Memorial Scholarship by the South Walton Fire District during its regular monthly meeting on Nov. 3 with a unanimous vote from the board.

"This is the type of candidate we are looking for," said Deputy Chief Sean Hughes. "He has shown his commitment and determination."

"I was pleasantly surprised when I found out," said Carter. "It was something I had been working towards on my own."

Carter is currently completing EMT training and will start the six-month fire standard training this spring at Northwest Florida State College. He started the EMT training to be better qualified as a lifeguard, but discovered he was interested in a career as a firefighter, Carter said.

"I want to be familiar with as many jobs within the fire department as possible," said Carter. "Working on the beach was a stepping stone."

According to Beach Safety Director Gary Wise, Carter has embraced his leadership role as a lifeguard and has gone out of his way to increase his skills and abilities.

"He's done an excellent job in a short period of time," said Wise. "He's very motivated."

The AirHeart 1 Memorial Scholarship was created in 2006 with the purpose of providing a SWFD lifeguard or Walton County High School senior interested in a career in public safety the opportunity to obtain the necessary training required to enter the Florida Fire Service.

The scholarship is competitive, with only two available per year. It pays for tuition, books and other associated costs up to $2,000, with payments being made directly to the institution.

Qualified candidates must submit a letter of intent to SWFD and attend a scholarship program orientation conducted by a deputy fire chief.

Eligibility:

Must be 18 years or older as of Oct. 1, 2008.

High school graduate, or equivalent, or senior anticipating graduation in May.

Must submit a letter of recommendation from individual other than relative.

Write and submit 250 word essay about why he/she feels qualified to receive the scholarship.

Selection is based on demonstrated characteristics, need, desire, initiative and potential benefits of the educational opportunity and made by a committee comprised of one SWFD fire commissioner, the deputy chief and a district chief.

The institute must be accredited to teach the State of Florida Minimum Standards Course.

Selection Criteria:

Maintains positive and effective relationships with superiors, teachers and/or co-workers and considered a team player; remains calm during stressful situations; self-motivated and enthusiastic; decisive, takes charge when needed; requires little or no supervision; a good sense of humor; accepts constructive criticism from others; can perform tasks requiring long periods of intense concentration; willing to put the best interests of the organization or team above personal interests or differences; and maintains a positive attitude.