Scholarship Fund
In dedication to our mission, the FF/PM Christopher D. Wheatley Memorial Foundation supports the following scholarship programs to assist students in their life goals with the hope of inspiring these young people to a lifetime of service to their fellow men and women. Our first awards were made May 23, 2011 at Lemont High School and have expanded as follows:
Lemont High School
2-$1,000/each awarded annually in May:
One (1) Health and Fire Sciences
One (1) Athletic
Awards are based on application from student which outlines community service, values learned from high school experience, extra-curricular activities and grade point average.
$6,000 Awarded annually in May:
High School and College scholarships
Awards are based on GBS criteria including GPA. All children of active, inactive, disabled and
deceased CFD parents are invited to submit applications for this award.
In partnership with Romeoville Fire Academy – annually- 1 each award per quarter:
Four (4) scholarships annually will be awarded $2,950.00/each
(or current cost)
Four (4) gear rental reimbursement awards annually $325.00/each (or current cost)
Awards are based on submitted application and RFA criteria for class performance.
University of Illinois/Chicago- College of Medicine
One (1) $2,500.00 Scholarship will be awarded annually to a 4th year medical student
Award is based on UIC College of Medicine criteria and is awarded to an Emergency Room physician who will work at UIC Medical Center, Chicago, IL.
FF/PM Christopher D. Wheatley Memorial Foundation distributes a total of $23,000 in all scholarships annually.
Chris’ life touched each one of these organizations; after graduating from Lemont High School in 1997 he attended University of Illinois at Chicago for one year and then transferred to Joliet Junior College/Silver Cross Hospital to attend paramedic training classes. Graduating 1st in his class he was hired immediately by Romeoville Fire Department, Romeoville, IL as Firefighter/Paramedic. He completed his FF2 training while employed with RFD.
After completing the hiring process for CFD Chris was accepted and completed his CFD Paramedic Academy classes in 2001. Serving for the next 8 years as Paramedic/Paramedic in Charge (PIC) Chris “crossed over” to FF/PM after completion of CFD Fire Academy in 2008. During his career with CFD he also instructed 4th year medical students in emergency treatment at UIC College of Medicine.
Chris’ life is the basis of our scholarship programs. We strive for his memory to reflect the life he lived in service to others.
Please turn to our Photos page to view our awardees.