WASHINGTON, May 12, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- The TASER(r) Foundation for Fallen Officers and American Public University today announced the Living the Legacy Scholarship program. The 2006 awards will provide distance learning opportunities to immediate family members of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Washington, D.C., Metro Police Department Chief Charles Ramsey was on hand to lend his support to the partnership which recognizes the sacrifices of law enforcement officers during 2006 National Police Week in Washington.
"The commitment of the TASER Foundation and American Public University means so much to the families of our fallen officers," said Chief Ramsey. "This is a special time of year for this community and knowing that there are people and programs out there for support is a great comfort in times of grief and need."
Deadline for scholarship applications is July 31. Successful candidates will be announced Aug. 31. There will be four awards granted toward bachelor's or master's degrees. Students will choose from among American Public University's more than 50 degree programs. The university offers a 100 percent online format, allowing working adults to earn a degree regardless of where they live.
"We are honored to give back to the community of law enforcement officers who give so much each and every day," said Dr. Frank McCluskey, executive vice president and provost for American Public University. "Hopefully, these scholarships will make a difference for families who have faced such tragedies."
Every day more than 850,000 law enforcement officers risk their lives as they protect and serve others. In 2005, 157 officers in the U.S. and 11 in Canada were killed in the line of duty. The average age of the fallen was 38, and many families were left behind to face tremendous challenges.
"This program that has resulted from our partnership with American Public University signifies so many important things for the law enforcement community, for the Foundation and for me personally," said Gerry Anderson, executive director of the TASER Foundation for Fallen Officers.
The TASER Foundation for Fallen Officers is the only organization that provides benefits to families in the United States and Canada from federal, state, county, and local law enforcement organizations. Grants are available only upon request by chiefs of police and sheriffs as well as federal law enforcement executives in the name of officers killed in the line of duty since August 1, 2004. The Foundation's mission is to honor the service and sacrifice of local and federal law enforcement officers in the United States and Canada lost in the line of duty. With intent to fill the gap between an officer's death and when pensions and other benefits begin, in most cases a grant request is processed within 24 hours of receipt.
To obtain an application or find out more information about the Living the Legacy scholarships, please visit: http://www.apu.apus.edu/TASER/.
The TASER Foundation for Fallen Officers (www.TASERFoundation.org) was established in 2004 by TASER International, Inc. to honor the service and sacrifice of fallen officers. The initial $1 million endowment was donated by TASER International employees and its board of directors. TASER International bears all administrative costs so that 100 percent of all donations go directly to the families.
American Public University (www.apus.edu) offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificate and continuing education programs, delivered 100 percent online. Program areas include emergency and disaster management, homeland security, intelligence, criminal justice, management, public health, business, and more. Faculty are leaders, educators and professionals in their field.