A scholarship will be offered to a LaPorte County student planning to study criminal justice. The scholarship is in honor of the memory of Patrolman Neil Thompson. Thompson is the only LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department officer killed in the line of duty.
A fund was established, and a scholarship created to honor fallen policeman. The $1,000 scholarship had been awarded to family members of the sheriff’s department, but Sheriff John Boyd is opening up the opportunity to students outside the department.
Applications for the scholarship can be obtained from the sheriff’s department. Applicants are required to write an essay of 500 words or more on what their goals are in being a police officer. Proof will need to be submitted that they have been accepted to a college and enrolled in course-related classes involving criminal justice and/or law enforcement. The deadline to apply is April 15.
The winning applicant will be recognized at the annual Peace Officer Memorial held by the Sheriff’s Office in May.
For more information, contact LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department Captain Michael Kellems at (219) 326-7700 extension 2327.
