Bill Petty Memorial Scholarship
William T. (Bill) Petty- June 7, 1945 to October 12, 2008
Served as an Emergency Medical Services Consultant in the South Central Region, Columbia TN, Tennessee Department of Health For Thirty-Five Years: 1972-2007
While serving in the South Central Region and helping to develop modern ambulance services and emergency medical services training programs for EMS personnel across Tennessee, Bill Petty shared his compassion, knowledge, and wisdom with his friends and colleagues. Bill traveled many miles throughout the state to help train and conduct examinations of emergency medical technicians and paramedics. He attended the first training program conducted for EMT-Paramedics in Nashville in 1974, and served by example to EMS personnel to strive for continuing education and to maintain their skills.
As a native of Lewisburg and Marshall County, Bill was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and lived by the values and faith instilled by church and family. Bill was also tied to his love of the area and desire for public service, serving as reserve deputy sheriff before being employed with the State. He loved continuing his activities and interest in law enforcement and firearms training and competition throughout his adult life.
Bill was among the first advocates for self-defense training for EMS personnel. He helped initiate some of the first lectures that were oriented to “tactical” medics, who would combine lifesaving capabilities with special weapons and tactics. He witnessed many of his paramedic friends acquire special tactical training and affiliate with law enforcement agencies.
On a more personal note, Bill loved Big Band music and Swing Dancing, venturing to the shows of the dance band era. During his late thirties to his late forties, his stories and jokes often involved an incident or situation that had occurred at a dance session or concert. Even as his health flagged, he kept up with the show schedule and performances of one his favorite pastimes- the Jimmy Church Band.
Bill Petty will always be remembered by those who best knew him for his personal involvement, dedication to service, willingness to share his knowledge and experience, and many times, even his opinion! He was a man of compassion, a special friend, and eager for the challenges of building the emergency medical services system. In meeting those challenges, he helped establish the emergency medical services in the South Central region, and saw them advance to a system in which he had enough confidence to entrust even his own care.
There is no greater tribute than for a soldier who in combat has laid down his life for a friend. Bill Petty earned our tribute by living his life- helping others learn to save and prolong life and alleviate suffering; enjoying special and pleasant pastimes; and growing lifelong friendships. EMS will always need more people like Bill Petty.
We hope that the scholarship offered in his honor and memory will further assist those who wish to dedicate themselves to public service and help others through their friendship, faith, knowledge, care, and compassion.
Scholarship Awards
Selection of recipients will be made without discrimination as to race, sex, creed, or national origin.
Awards will be based on the following structure:
EMT, AEMT or Paramedic - Potential of 50% of program fees up to $2,000
Critical Care Paramedic program - Potential of 50% of program fees up to $500
Scholarship awards will be based on merit and need.
50% of the award will be initially distributed, with the remaining 50% distributed in 6 months if the recipient remains in good standing and employed by an EMS service in the SCEMSDA service area.
Qualifications and Eligibility
Applicants must be an employee of an EMS service in the South Central Emergency Medical Services (SCEMS) region who are interested in a career in Emergency Medical Services EMS or advancing their EMS certification to either Paramedic or Critical Care Paramedic.
Eligible applicants must have completed an accredited EMT Basic, Advanced EMT, Paramedic or Critical Care Paramedic program.
Meeting minimum criteria does not guarantee a scholarship award. Other considerations include motivation, future potential, honors, area of specialization, economic status, availability of scholarship funds, compliance with scholarship application requirements, and other requirements specified by donors of certain scholarships.
The applicant may not be eligible if he or she is receiving assistance/tuition from another EMS agency or Association. The total awards of all combined sources is not to exceed the cost of the program.
In applying for and accepting a scholarship from the Association, the recipient agrees that his/her grade point average and pertinent information can be released to the officers of the Association or in publicity or correspondence regarding Association activities or programming.
The Association is the final authority regarding awards.
Application
Applicants must submit a single page typewritten essay explaining why they wish to pursue an EMT career or to further their training.
A minimum of 2 letters of recommendation are required. Recommenders should provide at least the following information:
Recommender’s name and Applicants name;
Recommender’s contact information including phone number, address and e-mail.
Length of time acquainted with and relation to applicant.
One of the letters must be from a supervisor of the applicant’s EMS employer.