Rebecca Crossan Receives Inaugural NVFC Scholarship to Waldorf University
July 8, 2025
Rebecca Crossan, a dedicated member of the Oak Hill Volunteer Fire and Rescue department in Morganton, NC, has been awarded the inaugural National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) Scholarship from Waldorf University. A presentation took place on June 23 during a department meeting.
A Pioneer in Fire Service Education
Crossan’s scholarship recognizes not only her commitment to the volunteer fire service but also her innovative approach to fire prevention and community safety. She plans to use the scholarship to pursue her bachelor’s degree in fire service and psychology, a unique combination that reflects her forward-thinking approach to emergency services.
“Rebecca is an amazing person who does so much to support our department and our community,” said Chief Jimmy Winters of Oak Hill Volunteer Fire and Rescue. “Her dedication goes far beyond responding to calls.”
Developing Tomorrow’s Fire Safety Leaders
What sets Crossan apart is her development of a juvenile firesetter program for her area. This innovative program addresses a critical need in fire prevention by working with young people who have engaged in fire-setting behavior. By combining her fire service experience with psychological understanding, she is creating a comprehensive approach to intervention and prevention. The juvenile firesetter program represents exactly the kind of forward-thinking initiative that the scholarship aims to support.
A Comprehensive Educational Investment
The Waldorf University NVFC Scholarship represents a significant investment in Crossan’s future and the future of fire service education. The scholarship is presented to individuals who demonstrate a passion for education and development, a love for professional community service, and the desire to achieve their educational goals.
The scholarship provides substantial support, covering up to 60 credit hours towards one online degree program offered by Waldorf University. This financial assistance will be applied directly to Crossan’s tuition for up to 36 consecutive months or until the completion of her selected online degree program. This comprehensive support structure ensures that recipients can focus on their studies and community service without the burden of educational debt.
Partnership for the Future of Fire Service
This is the inaugural scholarship offered by Waldorf University to NVFC members. The collaboration recognizes the critical role that volunteer firefighters play in communities across the nation and supports their professional development through higher education opportunities.
The NVFC, which represents the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services, continues its mission of providing leadership, advocacy, and services to volunteer emergency services organizations. Through partnerships like this scholarship program, NVFC helps ensure that volunteer firefighters have access to the education and training they need to serve their communities effectively.
“We’re proud to support Rebecca as our first NVFC scholarship recipient,” said Jeff Butcher from Waldorf University. “Her combination of hands-on service, pioneering mindset, and commitment to education embodies exactly what we hope to encourage in the volunteer fire service community.”
Looking Forward
As Crossan continues her education, her enhanced knowledge will benefit not only the Oak Hill Volunteer Fire and Rescue department but also serve as a model for other communities looking to develop comprehensive fire prevention programs.
For more information about the Waldorf University NVFC Scholarship program, click here.
