Robert Garner Firefighter Scholarship established at HCC Foundation
May 1, 2015
The Robert Garner Firefighter Foundation has pledged $7.5 million to the Houston Community College Fire Training Academy, which will now be known as the Robert Garner Firefighter Academy.
Annually, the money will provide 100 future firefighters with full-ride scholarships. These 100 students represent 25 percent of the cadets who go through the academy each year.
“This gift is life changing to many students who want to become a firefighter,” said Carme Williams, executive director, HCC Foundation. “Robert’s friends and family have created a lasting memory of Robert, we will always remember the sacrifice he made for his community. We are honored they want to leave Robert’s legacy at Houston Community College.”
To celebrate this generous donation, the HCC chancellor, the HCC Foundation, and members of the Board of Trustees will make the announcement of this gift at 1 p.m., Monday, May 11 at the HCC Fire Training Academy, 555 Community College Drive, Houston, TX 77013, with current cadets in attendance.
The Robert Garner Firefighter Foundation was established to continue Robert’s dream of being a firefighter and to provide scholarships that will allow future firefighters to attend local fire academies. Garner was one of four firefighters who died in a massive hotel fire in May 2013.
“The scholarships that will now be available due to this very generous gift, as well as the academy bearing Robert's name, memorialize his valiant and courageous commitment to his community,” said Dr. Adriana Tamez, HCC Board of Trustees, District III. “Additionally, Robert's legacy will long reflect that the good work, which begins at HCC, must continue in service to our community.”
"We are excited to partner with HCC to create the Robert Garner Fire Academy,” said Quincy Wade, Robert Garner Firefighter Foundation. “A fire academy that honors one of Houston's fallen heroes and will allow thousands of students the chance of becoming a firefighter, without worrying about the cost of tuition.”
For more information on the HCC Fire Training Academy, visit hccs.edu/fireacademy.