May 12, 2025
The Johnson County Community College (JCCC) Foundation has partnered with Johnson County first responders to offer a new scholarship. If an active paramedic, emergency medical technician (EMT), firefighter, or police officer loses their life in the line of duty while employed in Johnson County, JCCC will offer scholarship assistance and support for their eligible dependents. The scholarship serves 28 fire departments, law enforcement agencies, and Johnson County MED-ACT.
Led by Chief Jeff DeGraffenreid of the Olathe Fire Department, a coalition of Johnson County first responder agencies developed the idea for this scholarship, which will cover all tuition and fees for degree-seeking students at JCCC. The student must be enrolled for two consecutive years and maintain satisfactory academic progress. Dependents must complete an application and verify eligibility with the JCCC Foundation and Johnson County Fire/Police before they turn 22.
"We are grateful to JCCC for creating the First Responders Scholarship in honor of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Olathe Fire Chief DeGraffenreid. “We pray and hope this scholarship is never needed. But, knowing it’s available brings a level of comfort to our firefighters and their families.”
“Each day, firefighters, police officers and paramedics in Johnson County put their lives at risk to protect and serve the community,” said Dr. Judy Korb, Interim President of JCCC. “Once JCCC was approached by Johnson County first responders, it was an easy decision to create this scholarship. We value our role as the training partner for the police, fire, and emergency responding agencies that serve Johnson County, and felt this scholarship was an important way to support community members in need.”
First Responder Training through JCCC
JCCC offers both Fire Science and Emergency Medical Science (EMS) educational programs. The campus is also home to the Johnson County Regional Police Academy. Through the selective admission programs at the Fire Academy, JCCC offers a Firefighter Certificate and a Fire Administration Certificate, both of which are embedded in the Fire Science associate degree. Students can learn the skills needed for a career in fire science in two years or less.
JCCC is nationally recognized for EMS training. Interested students first start by earning an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Certificate, and then their Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certificate. After both of these have been completed, students can then enroll in JCCC’s Paramedic Certificate program.
The Johnson County Regional Police Academy at JCCC was established to provide basic law enforcement training for newly hired officers from 18 police agencies in Johnson County. By state law, the Police Academy is closed enrollment, and students who attend the academy must first be employed by one of these agencies as a police officer. After completing the required 640 hours of basic training, they receive a certificate from the Kansas Commission of Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, certifying them as a law enforcement officer for the State of Kansas.
About the JCCC Foundation
The JCCC Foundation supports the overall mission of JCCC, its strategic goals, and its initiatives. Established in 1971, the JCCC Foundation is the fundraising arm of the College and a separate 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. The Foundation works to provide access to the College for all students; advance excellence through the development of community leadership, business partnerships, and financial support; and promote cultural activities to enrich the College and the community.
Those interested in supporting this scholarship can make a donation to the JCCC Foundation at jccc.edu/donate.
CONTACT:
Emma Swinney
Public and Media Relations Coordinator
eswinne1@jccc.edu
913-469-8500, ext. 4949
Chris Gray
VP, Strategic Communications & Marketing
chrisgray@jccc.edu
913-469-8500, ext. 7623
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