William Pierce Sr. Memorial Endowment scholarship established

SUSSEX COUNTY-Friends and co-workers of William Pierce Sr. have chosen Sussex County Community College to play a part in a time of sorrow. After losing their good friend in February this year, they wanted to honor his memory in a way that reflected what was meaningful to him. A memorial endowment scholarship in Pierce's name has been established at the college. While working the scene of a fire at a mobile home in Ogdensburg, William Pierce Sr. suffered a heart attack and died. County fire marshall Tom Davis said, "There was mutual agreement among the fire services in the county to establish the scholarship in Bill's name. The scholarship is just a great way to honor Bill. His philosophy was to be a smarter firefighter. When he wasn't at fires, he was furthering his education." The money to create the endowment was raised through donations and future fund raisers will be held if necessary to maintain the scholarship. Pierce had been a firefighter with the Hardyston and Ogdensburg fire departments, and was an ex-chief from both. Employed as a sheet metal and tile worker, he was considered a doer, and a family man. His expertise on the squad will be sorely missed. Pierce taught all types of courses at the Sussex County Community College Public Safety Training Facility. His expertise was in hydraulics. The newly established scholarship will be given for the first time in December. It will be awarded to a student studying fire science, criminal justice, or other public safety related courses. Through the fund, college students with a financial need will have the opportunity to continue their education. For information about the William Pierce Sr. Memorial Endowment Scholarship or to learn how to start a scholarship at Sussex County Community College, call 973-300-2124.