2011 Memorial Scholarship Winner

 Marissa Reiner

Marissa Reiner, daughter of Firefighter/Paramedic Eric F. Reiner who tragically was killed in the line of duty in a 1998 helicopter crash, is this year’s winner of the $5,000 Memorial Scholarship provided by the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund.

Marissa is using the grant to attend Dominican University in San Rafael, CA to pursue a nursing degree.   Marissa hopes to pursue a career in either travel and emergency nursing or  intensive care.  After volunteering at both Long Beach Memorial and Little Company of Mary Hospital in Torrance, CA, Reiner became interested in the profession.

“I became intrigued and realized that it really is an amazing program. I also got a lot of support from family and friends about my decision.”

As for the demanding requirements of nursing, Reiner says, “I like the fast pace. I think I get that from my family, it’s definitely the fireman influence.”

Marissa says the scholarship will lift some of the financial burden and allow her to focus on her schoolwork, rather than having to be fully employed.  The community has always been important in her life and through the scholarship, she hopes to continue serving the community in any way possible.

“Being a part of the LAFD family has enabled me to feel supported and taken care of through my journey to college.”

Q & A

What did receiving a scholarship through the L.A. Firemen’s Relief Association’s Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund mean to you?

“It really means a lot. The support the (charity) has always shown to me and my family is tremendous. The scholarship will really help me to reach my goal of becoming a nurse and helping people and achieving my dream.”

How will this scholarship help you in your own education and in making a difference in the community?

“This scholarship has definitely made me more motivated to do well in college and to stay focused on my goal because I have the (firefighter) family behind me. It’s a really big honor to get this scholarship.”

by Matt Toyama, Staff Writer