Honeywell First Responder Products and DuPont Safety & Construction (DuPont) have awarded 20 first responders with all-expenses paid scholarships to attend the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis, April 8-13.

The firefighting industry’s premier training event and technology showcase, FDIC teaches firefighters the latest tools, techniques and technology for succeeding on the fireground, with a special emphasis on personal development and team safety practices. Firefighters choose from more than 200 classes and workshops, attend evening social events and network with peers.

“Honeywell in partnership with DuPont is pleased to offer this scholarship to the brave men and women who have not only demonstrated exemplary service on the fireground but who also have shown a keen desire to teach others in the fire service,” said Tom Rozema, general manager of Honeywell First Responder. “As a result of FDIC training, scholarship recipients can return to their communities inspired and full of freshly acquired knowledge that they share with their fellow firefighters. In this way, the scholarship is a true grass-roots program; it has a multiplier effect in helping thousands of firefighters advance their skills. The scholarship develops fire service leaders — in fact, two of this year’s instructors are graduates of the scholarship program.”

“We join Honeywell in welcoming the 2019 scholarship recipients, and we remain honored to be a part of this important program as DuPont continues to help firefighters receive advanced training to continue their professional development,” said John Richard, vice president and general manager for DuPont™ Kevlar® and Nomex®.  

Now in its fifth year, Honeywell founded the scholarship to encourage accelerated leadership development and advanced training for best-of-breed firefighters, emergency medical and HAZmat personnel in North America; DuPont has co-sponsored the scholarship since 2016. More than 100 first responders have graduated from the program and many of these have gone on to lead departmental and regional training programs, become community advocates or industry spokespeople.