Two NC Firefighters Win $12K in Scholarships

Two Clayton firefighters are heading back to school with a combined $12,000 in scholarships to support their dreams of growing as leaders and educators in the fire service.

Fire Captain Louis D'Arco received $10,000 to attend the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, while Master Firefighter Antwan Hardy earned $2,000 to complete his associate degree in fire protection technology at Johnston Community College. Both men received the awards from the North Carolina State Firefighters' Association, which recognizes the dedication firefighters show both on the job and in the classroom.

For D'Arco, the scholarship opens doors to future leadership roles. "Continuing my education has been an important professional goal, and this scholarship helps make that journey more attainable," he said. He plans to use what he learns to better serve the department, mentor others, and support the Clayton community.

Hardy sees the award as an investment in his long-term goals. "Completing my degree has been a long-term goal, and this scholarship helps make that goal a reality," he said. In Clayton, an associate degree is required for promotion to fire captain and battalion chief, making education a pathway to advancement.

The Ripple Effect

The scholarships reflect a broader commitment to professional growth across North Carolina's fire service. This year alone, the NCSFA awarded $240,000 in scholarships to 45 firefighters and graduating high school seniors of firefighters. The state's three regions each received 15 scholarships, selected from 187 applications.

Fire Chief David Ranes emphasized that learning never stops after initial training. "The fire service is constantly evolving, and continuing education helps our personnel stay prepared to meet new challenges," he said. "We're proud to see Louis and Antwan recognized for their commitment to learning and leadership."

What started as a $1,000 annual stipend in 1975 has grown into a robust statewide program supporting students at every level. The Jim Bailey Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 1972, now helps firefighters pursue associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees across North Carolina.

These two firefighters are proof that investing in education creates safer communities and stronger leaders.