The Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) has awarded the 2023 FASNY Gerard J. Buckenmeyer Volunteer Scholarship to Sophia Augier of St. James, NY. Sophia received a certificate and scholarship of $1,500 for her volunteer service in the community from Gene Perry, member of the FASNY Board of Directors.
“Being a part of my fire department has allowed me to connect with so many passionate, caring, and accomplished people,” said Augier. “I got to know my neighbors and new friends, all while providing them with medical care and helping them when they are in need.”
Sophia comes from a family of fire service. Her father, uncle, and grandfather are FDNY firefighters. Selflessness and service are ingrained in who she is because of who she was surrounded by growing up. Sophia plans to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) this fall, where she intends to study Bioengineering. Outside of the firehouse, she is very interested in robotics and engineering. Augier was captain of the robotics team in high school and was the school’s first-ever female driver and head of fabrication.
Sophia is one of 25 students chosen for this scholarship.
“The fire department has allowed me to make lifelong friendships. I’ve been able to meet people from all types of backgrounds and career fields,” said Bailey. “It is challenging, rewarding, scary, and fulfilling at the same time. There are times when you want to cry and others when you're smiling ear-to-ear. You will make memories, life-long friends and have a new aspect of life.”
FASNY has also awarded the 2023 FASNY Gerard J. Buckenmeyer Volunteer Scholarship to Maxwell Gazes of Greenlawn, NY. Max received a certificate and scholarship of $1,500 for his volunteer service in the community from Gene Perry, member of the FASNY Board of Directors.
“The FASNY scholarship is incredibly rewarding because of the financial aid it has provided me and the recognition of my service to the Bay Shore Brightwaters Rescue Ambulance,” said Gazes.
Max has been volunteering for the Bay Shore Brightwaters Youth Squad since 2020. Max plans to attend SUNY Stony Brook in the fall, where he intends to study Biochemistry on a pre-medical track.
“Through volunteering for BSBRA, I have met many amazing individuals including Mary Dolan, the advisor of the Youth Squad, whom I view as a great mentor in EMS,” said Max. “I have made many friends that I will be able to volunteer with on the adult side of the agency,” he continued. “The prospect of helping others is extremely rewarding.”
Christian Alexander of Port Washington, Christopher Lucchese of Lynbrook, and Thomas DeCristofaro of Oceanside were also chosen for the scholarship.
Scholarships are awarded on the basis of an applicant’s volunteer service to his or her community, such as serving with a local fire department, scouting, church, school, work with senior citizens, fire prevention, and other projects. Additional criteria include consistent demonstration of good character and completion of a written essay.
The Gerard J. Buckenmeyer FASNY Volunteer Scholarship program is made possible each June through the generous donations of individuals, fire departments and auxiliaries. This year, Provident Agency Inc., the provider of the accidental death and dismemberment insurance for FASNY members, has again provided major underwriting support to help FASNY award scholarships to young volunteers. FASNY would also like to recognize the support and coordination provided by the Association’s administrative team in their Albany headquarters for their help in processing the applications and awards, as well as the hard work of the volunteers of the FASNY Scholarship Committee in supporting the program throughout the year.
About FASNY:
Founded in 1872, the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) represents the interests of the approximately 80,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel in New York State. For more information, visit www.fasny.com.
