Chief Matthew G. Martin Scholarship

Previous Recipients

  • 2025 (inaugural):  Luke Harjes - Hopewell Fire Department and Emergency Medical Unit

Introduction

     The Hopewell Township Fire Commissioners are proud to introduce the Chief Matthew G. Martin Scholarship. This scholarship is named in honor of Chief Matthew Martin, who served as the first career Fire Chief of Hopewell Valley Emergency Services (Station 50) in Hopewell Township, New Jersey. Chief Martin dedicated over 30 years to protecting the residents of Hopewell Valley and was a strong advocate for continuing education and professional development.

     In recognition of his leadership, dedication, and commitment to the community, this scholarship is established to assist individuals actively involved in emergency services, reflecting Chief Martin’s legacy of service, knowledge, and educational support.

Scholarship Overview

  • Scholarship Amount: $1,000.00
  • Number of Scholarships:  1
  • Award Period: The scholarship will be awarded to one deserving individual

 

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the Chief Matthew G. Martin Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1.   Residency or Service Requirement:

Must be a current resident of Hopewell Township, Mercer County, New Jersey and actively serving as a first responder in Hopewell Valley (Hopewell Township, Hopewell Borough and Pennington Borough). Please see list below.

Or

Must be an active member of one of the following emergency services in Hopewell Township, Mercer County, New Jersey:

      • Volunteer Firefighter (Includes Probationary)
      • Volunteer EMT (Includes Probationary)
      • Career Firefighter (Includes Probationary
      • Career EMT (Includes Probationary)
      • Junior Volunteer of a Fire Department or First Aid Squad
      • Police Officer
      • Dispatcher
      • Fire Marshal
      • Fire Inspector
  1.      Age Requirement:
    • Applicants must be at least 17 years of age before the application date.
  2.      Educational Requirements:
    • Must be enrolled as a High School Junior or Senior or already enrolled in an accredited college/university for at least two semesters.
    • Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) and provide a current copy of your grades.
    • Proof of admission, acceptance, or enrollment to an accredited college or university is required.
  3.       Statement Requirement:
    • Applicants must submit a statement of at least 250 words expressing why they joined the emergency services field and how the scholarship will help further their education towards their course(s) or degree(s).
  4.       Letter of Recommendation:
    • Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from their department’s Chief, President, or Supervisor. The letter MUST state you are an active member of the department/organization.

Application Process

  • Application Period: The application window opens on May 1, 2025, and closes on July 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST.
  • How to Apply: Complete the scholarship application and attach the required documentation, including:
    • A 250-word statement.
    • Letter of recommendation from their department’s/organization’s Chief, President, or Supervisor with active status or letter of recommendation from a Hopewell Township department’s Chief, President, or Supervisor with active status.
    • Copy of current grade transcript.
    • Proof of college/university admission, acceptance, or enrollment.
    • Proof of Residency in Hopewell Township if serving in a Non-Hopewell Township department/organization in Hopewell Valley (Hopewell Borough or Pennington Borough).
  • Selection Process: The award recipient will be chosen at the Hopewell Township Fire Commissioners meeting on July 24, 2025. The selected winner will be notified the following day by the Chief of Emergency Services.
  • Please submit applications, essays, recommendation letters, copy of grades/transcripts and proof of admission, acceptance or enrollment to an accredited College or University to:

 

Email: jkarpiscak@hopewelltwpfire.org Subject: 2025 Chief Matt Martin Scholarship Application.

Mail: Hopewell Township Fire District No.1 201 Washington Crossing Pennington Rd, Titusville, NJ 08560, Attention: 2025 Chief Matt Martin Scholarship Application.

Questions? Please call (609) 730-8156 Ext. 4140

 Closing Date for Applications:

  • All applications must be submitted no later than July 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST.

Application

  1. 2025 Chief Matthew G. Martin Scholarship - Application