We are proud to announce the 2024 recipients of the Greg Freshwater Memorial Scholarship: Waterloo firefighters Tim Harmon and Patrick McNally. Both are currently pursuing paramedic training at Hawkeye Community College, advancing their skills to better serve our community.
The Greg Freshwater Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2017 to honor the life of firefighter Greg Freshwater, who tragically passed away that same year. Greg’s dream of becoming a paramedic inspired the creation of this scholarship, which has since supported 12 Waterloo firefighters in achieving advanced EMT or paramedic certification.
“Not only does the Greg Freshwater scholarship keep alive the memory of one of our members lost to tragedy, it provides financial relief to those who have chosen to pursue the goal of becoming a paramedic on our department. These individuals are the future of our ability to provide emergent, advanced life-saving treatments to those we serve,” says Lt. Jason Hernandez, Medical Supervisor at Waterloo Fire Rescue.
As the demand for emergency medical services grows, supporting the next generation of paramedics is more critical than ever.
“We are grateful to the Freshwater family for their gift towards the education of future paramedics, which aids in addressing the problem of the paramedic shortage we are currently seeing in our region and across the country,” says Hernandez.
Community members are invited to contribute to this fund that is keeping Greg’s legacy alive and training local first responders to provide the best care possible. Donations can be made online or by check with “Greg Freshwater Memorial Scholarship” in the memo line mailed to Waterloo Community Foundation P.O. Box 1253 Waterloo, IA 50704.
