Bruin VFD creates scholarship in Slagle's memory
Bruin Volunteer Fire Department is memorializing the late Larry “Nerp” Slagle, who founded the department, by creating a scholarship that bears his name.
“We wanted to honor Nerp's legacy by giving back to the community the way he gave back,” said Robert Hackbarth, department president.
Slagle died in February at the age of 80.
In addition to being a founding member of the Bruin VFD, he was also a founder of the Rural Firefighters Association, a former chief of the Butler County Fire Chief's Association and the co-creator of the fire training facility at Butler County Community College.
A donation from Slagle's family went toward the first $500 scholarship, which will be given to a senior graduating from Karns City High School who is enrolled in post-secondary education this year, Hackbarth said.
Future scholarship awards will be based on donations and fundraising efforts, he said.
“The family contributed to the initial funding. We will have fundraisers to raise funds for future scholarship awards. We will accept donations earmarked for the scholarship,” he said.
A special raffle for the scholarship fund will be held during the department's annual sportsmen's raffle fundraiser May 12 at the Fairview Township Municipal Building, he said.
Applications for the scholarship must be submitted to the high school guidance office by May 11 and the scholarship will be awarded at the school's commencement ceremony, he said.
Karns City High School seniors must be enrolled in some type of post-secondary education program to qualify. College, career schools or training programs are a requirement that stems from Nerp's support for education.
“He was a founding member of our department. He also was instrumental in several fire programs in the county. He was one of the founding members of the Public Safety Training Center at BC3,” Hackbarth said. “Education was very important to Nerp.”
He said those wanting to contribute to the scholarship fund can mail donations to the Bruin Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box I, Bruin, Pa. 16022.
