The Below is for reference only – If you wish to apply please download this application

NCFMA Donald Wisinski Scholarship 2025

Donald Wisinski Scholarship Application LJA 10.30.2025

California Fire Mechanics Association
5 Meadow Lane
Redwood City, CA. 94063
www.californiafiremechanics.org

Application for:

Donald Wisinski Memorial Scholarship

The Northern California Fire Mechanics Association (NCFMA) in partnership with the California Fire Mechanics Academy Inc. (CFMA), is proud to offer the Donald Wisinski Memorial Scholarship each Spring Mechanics Academy in honor of Donald “Don” Wisinski. Don Wisinski was a member of the California Fire Mechanics for many years. Don was the past President of the San Jose Fire Department Local 230. He served on the CFMA Committee for 15 years and was the Academy President for 2 years. Through Don’s vision and leadership, he was instrumental in sending a member of the California Fire Service Mechanics Sections to the NFPA 1901 validation committee as the first mechanic to be actively seated. Don went on to foster sending another key member of the California Fire Mechanics sections to Washington, DC for attendance at the National Certification Commission to better serve the California Fire Mechanics in writing some of the first certification tests for the CFMA. The Donald Wisinski annual scholarship shall be awarded to a member of the Northern Section of the California Fire Mechanics Association. Selection of the recipient shall be made by the Northern Section (NCFMA) Board of Directors.

SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS

The Donald Wisinski Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a single, deserving student who is currently an active member of the Northern California Fire Mechanics Association (NCFMA). Applicants must be a current paid member of the NCFMA and has attended at least four meetings during the current calendar year. This scholarship is intended for individuals seeking to further their professional development by attending the annual California Fire Mechanics Academy Spring Academy. Recipients of the scholarship will have their tuition covered for the entire week of the Academy. In addition to tuition, the award includes all student class handout materials normally provided during the Academy week and also grants access to all scheduled functions associated with the CFMA Spring Academy. It is important to note that transportation and housing expenses are not included as part of the scholarship. These costs must be covered independently by the scholarship recipient.

SELECTION PROCESS

The NCFMA Board of Directors is responsible for selecting the scholarship recipient. All scholarship applications must be submitted to the NCFMA Board of Directors by December 1st to be considered for the CFMA Spring Academy.

COMMITMENT TO PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The Donald Wisinski Memorial Scholarship reflects a strong dedication to enhancing the expertise and capabilities of Emergency Vehicle Technicians across northern California. By providing financial support for professional development opportunities, this scholarship enables motivated individuals to further their education and skills, ultimately benefiting the emergency services sector. It encourages those with a passion for serving their communities to pursue ongoing learning and growth, ensuring that emergency response teams are supported by highly trained and knowledgeable technicians.

Class or Course requested: ______________________________________________________________________
Donald Wisinski Scholarship Application LJA 10.30.2025
SECTION I: PERSONAL INFORMATION
Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________
City: ____________________________ State: ____________________ Zip: _____________________________
Telephone: ________________ (work) ____________________ (home) ______________ (cell) ______________
Email address: _______________________________________________________________________________
Highest Level of Education: ☐ High School ☐ College ☐ Other: _______________________________________
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Employment History: __________________________________________________________________________
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Current Agency/Company: _____________________________________________________________________
Position/Title: ___________________________ Years’ Experience: _____________________________________
List of any mechanical certifications currently held (ASE/EVT/Other): ____________________________________
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List of any professional affiliations: _______________________________________________________________
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SECTION II: PERSONAL STATEMENT

To help the NCFMA Board of Directors make an informed decision about your scholarship application, you are encouraged to provide additional information that supports your candidacy. Please include in a separate paper, a personal statement that outlines your educational and career goals and aspirations. This section should detail your motivations for pursuing advancement in the field of fire apparatus mechanics and describe how you plan to contribute meaningfully to the profession. If applicable, please also include a statement of financial need. This will assist the Board in understanding how receiving this scholarship could impact your ability to attend the CFMA Spring Academy. Sharing these details will give the Board a clearer picture of your dedication to fire mechanics and your commitment to professional growth. Your thoughtful response to this section is vital for the NCFMA Board of Directors as they carefully consider your application for the Donald Wisinski Memorial Scholarship.

SECTION III: LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

As part of your application for the Donald Wisinski Memorial Scholarship, you are required to submit at least one professional letter of recommendation from your current employer. This letter should provide a comprehensive overview of your qualifications, specific job responsibilities, and relevant experience in the field of fire mechanics.

The letter of recommendation is an essential component of your application, as it enables the NCFMA Board of Directors to thoroughly evaluate your professional background and assess your potential as a scholarship candidate. To ensure the letter is most effective, it should offer detailed insight into your skills, work ethic, and your dedication to the fire mechanics profession.

SECTION IV: REVIEW PROCESS

All scholarship applications must be submitted to the Northern California Fire Mechanics Association by December 1st. Once received, each application will undergo a careful review during the NCFMA December Board of Directors meeting. During this meeting, the Board conducts a thorough evaluation of all applicants and will select the recipient of the Donald Wisinski Memorial Scholarship.

The individual chosen to receive the scholarship will be personally notified of their award no later than February 1st. As part of the recognition, the scholarship winner will be invited to attend the CFMA hospitality night. At this event, the recipient will be formally introduced and acknowledged as the recipient of the Donald Wisinski Memorial Scholarship.

Recipients are expected to wear appropriate attire for the occasion, as this demonstrates respect for both the event and the academy. The Northern California Fire Mechanics Association and the California Fire Mechanics Academy appreciate this gesture and look forward to celebrating the achievements of the scholarship recipient.

Please submit your completed scholarship application to the Northern California Fire Mechanics Association by either of the following methods:

Mail to: NCMFA
5 Meadow Lane
Redwood City, CA 94063
or
Email to: president@californiafiremechanics.org

We kindly ask that all applications be submitted by the specified deadline to ensure consideration. Thank you for your interest in the Donald Wisinski Memorial Scholarship, and we look forward to reviewing your application.

Sincerely,

Northern California Fire Mechanics Association