POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. — The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) has awarded $40,000 in scholarships to Dutchess Community College students pursuing paramedic certification, furthering the mission of the John T. Sloper Fund to support emergency medical services in the region.
Since its inception, the John T. Sloper Scholarship Fund has granted a total of $60,000 to aspiring EMS professionals, annually providing $10,000 to four students. The initiative honors the legacy of John T. Sloper, a pioneer in emergency medical services and co-founder of the Sloper-Wilen Ambulance Service, which played a vital role in Dutchess County. Sloper was also instrumental in promoting the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in local nonprofits, the foundation stated in a press release.
Following the sale of the ambulance service in 2005, the John T. Sloper Committee established a $1 million permanent endowment with CFHV to support and expand the EMS workforce. Over the past two decades, the fund has contributed more than $700,000 toward AED installations, training programs and lifesaving medical equipment for over 130 organizations in Dutchess and Putnam counties.
“Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley is proud to carry forward John Sloper’s commitment to public safety and community well-being,” CFHV President and CEO Laura Washington said. “This fund ensures that aspiring paramedics have the resources they need to save lives in the Hudson Valley.”
In addition to student scholarships, the Sloper Fund has provided grants to numerous organizations, including the American Red Cross in Northeastern New York, the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, Brewster Police Department and local nonprofits such as Family Services, Inc., Grace Smith House and the YMCA of Central and Northern Westchester.
Eligible students and nonprofit organizations in Dutchess or Putnam counties can apply for scholarships or grants to support EMS education and AED purchases in Sloper’s memory.
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