CLAYTON, N.C. – Two Clayton Fire Department members are earning support for their educational goals through scholarships from the North Carolina State Firefighters’ Association (NCSFA). The awards recognize their commitment to learning while supporting the department’s focus on professional growth and leadership development.
Fire Captain Louis D’Arco received a $10,000 scholarship to support his studies at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Charlotte while Master Firefighter Antwan Hardy earned a $2,000 scholarship to complete his associate degree in Fire Protection Technology at Johnston Community College.
For Hardy, the award helps him reach an important milestone.
“Completing my degree has been a long-term goal, and this scholarship helps make that goal a reality,” he said. “I’m thankful for the investment the association is making in firefighters across North Carolina and excited to continue growing in the profession.”
The scholarships support educational paths that align with the department’s career development standards. In Clayton, an associate degree is required for promotion to Fire Captain and Battalion Chief while a bachelor’s degree is preferred for higher-level chief officer positions…