Scholarship Honors Late Durham Resident Charlie Larsen

The Durham Volunteer Fire Company is honoring late Durham resident Charlie Larsen by offering a scholarship in his memory.

The first DVFC Scholarship Fund in Memory of Charlie Larsen will be awarded this September, according to Jennifer Kinzel, chairman of the fire department's scholarship committee, and then on an annual basis in the spring.

Larsen, who passed away in April at the age of 52, was an honorary member of the department and a beloved figure throughout his hometown.

"Every Sunday morning, probably about 6:30 or 7 o'clock, he'd come open the fire house up. He was always there," said scholarship committee member Allen Fritts. "He was just a wonderful guy."

To be eligible, applicants must live in the town of Durham, be graduating high school the year of application and plan to attend college or technical school. The fire department will award up to two scholarships each year.

Kinzel said students who have demonstrated the spirit of volunteerism in the community are encouraged to apply. 

Scholarship applications can be picked up at the Durham firehouse at 41 Main Street on Tuesday evenings or Sunday mornings. The deadline to apply is August 1.

Corporate and private donations in Charlie Larsen's memory may be be sent to P.O Box 154 Durham, CT 06422. (Please include a note on the check "Charlie Larsen scholarship)