Buffalo Restoration Awards 2nd Annual Fire Scholarship

Buffalo Restoration is proud to announce that Madeline Carroll, daughter of IAFF Local 613 firefighter Brian Carroll, is the recipient of the 2012 Fire Scholarship. Madeline, a 16 year old,  applied for the scholarship on behalf of her newly adopted sister Erika. Madeline's family recently adopted Erika, a 13 year old girl from Columbia who knows little to no English. Madeline wrote the scholarship to support Erika's education. She is being home schooled by her new mom, learning English, and catching up in school.

We were impressed and inspired by her essay. We ask our applicants to let us know how being a family member of a firefighter has changed or inspired their lives. Madeline's essay revolved around the concept of family. She describes her father's fellow firefighters as uncles. She talks about how they support each other through hardships. While her parents were in Columbia for several weeks for the adoption process, the firefighters were constantly checking in on Madeline and her brothers to make sure everything was OK. Madeline says, "The whole fire-fighting community is a family of its own, and the transition into it was easy, fun, and welcoming. We have all met so many great people through the department and the whole community is very family-oriented." Just as the firefighters welcomed the Carroll family into their community, they are now welcoming Erika. "Although the guys at the department don't know much Spanish besides "hola" and "como estas?" they have welcomed her to the family with open arms", Madeline said. A ceremony and celebration will be held to honor Madeline and her family.

We're thrilled to be able to help Erika, Madeline  Brian, and their whole family. For as much as our firefighters do for our community, this is a small token of our gratitude to entire firefighting family.