TOWNSEND – The Friends of Townsend Fire has begun awarding scholarships to support local students pursuing careers in emergency response, public safety and health care.

The scholarship program grew out of an idea first discussed in January 2026. A committee made up of Dave Seeber, Gary Birr, Linda Vanderheiden and Diane Williams was formed to develop the program and establish eligibility criteria.

The group created the scholarships as a way to build community goodwill while encouraging young people to consider careers in fire fighting, first response and related service fields.

To qualify, applicants must be high school seniors with at least a 2.5 grade point average. They must also plan to attend a technical college or four-year university while pursuing a degree in a first responder-related field, including fire, rescue, paramedic, emergency medical technician, law enforcement, nursing or another medical field.

Students who meet the criteria are eligible to receive at least $1,000.

The 2026 scholarship recipients are Destiny Ann Dudek of Townsend and Autumn Warden of Lakewood. Dudek plans to study nursing at Nicolet Area Technical College. Warden plans to study nursing at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, with a goal of earning a master’s degree in nursing education.

Money raised through the organization’s Spring Raffle and Fourth of July event helped make the scholarships possible. The Friends of Townsend Fire said the awards reflect its mission to support the volunteer fire department while also serving the broader community.

Published on: Jul 20, 2026 at 10:26 am