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Cooper R. Cardenas, a student at Walter Panas High School, received a certificate as well as a check for $1,500 for his volunteer service in the community from FASNY Director Santo S. Rivera.
“This is an honor that means so much to myself personally, but also to my family,” said Cardenas. “They are just as involved in everything as I am and deserve credit for their support.”
Cooper will graduate from Walter Panas High School and attend Dutchess Community College this fall, majoring in fire science and occupational health. He will also attend classes at Dutchess Community College for his emergency medical technician certification.
“My goal is to become a career firefighter in either New York City or lower Westchester,” said Cardenas. “I’m also giving consideration to becoming a police officer. I just want an occupation where I can help people.”
Cardenas is currently involved with the Continental Village Fire Department and the Peekskill Volunteer Ambulance Corps, the Peekskill Office of Emergency Management and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. A year after Cardenas joined the fire department, his father wanted to be involved and became a firefighter.
“I joined the (Continental Village) Fire Department because I have always wanted to help people and I feel like I excel most in emergencies,” said Cardenas. “I wanted to do something that made a difference in other people's life as well as my own.”
Cardenas is one of 15 students chosen for the scholarship out of 115 applicants. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of an applicant’s volunteer service to his or her community. Additional criteria are demonstration of good character and completion of a written essay.
Founded in 1872, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York represents the interests of the approximately 100,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel in New York state.
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