Melbourne Officers Receive Scholarship Awards
By Space Coast Daily // September 12, 2013
in honor of Officer Joseph S. Pellicano
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — Families of the Shield, Inc., working in a collaborative effort with the Melbourne Police Foundation have awarded the Melbourne Police Department’s four newest officers with scholarships.
Scholarships were award to Officer Ricardo Garcia ($3,100.00), Officer Kristin Caselli ($3,100.00), Officer David Ross ($350.00) and Officer Ryan Nicholas Clark ($350.00).
These scholarships, which are designed to assist the new officers as they begin their new careers, were named in the honor of Officer Joseph S. Pellicano, a Melbourne Officer who was struck and killed by a vehicle as he directed traffic at a house fire in 1986.
The fire was later determined to be the result of arson. Officer Pellicano’s wife at the time of his death, Marion (Pellicano) Ambrose, was present at today’s award service.
“These scholarships are awarded to these officers to help offset the financial burden they encounter while seeking to fulfill their dreams of becoming Melbourne police officers,” said Founder and Chairman of Families of the Shield, Inc., John A. Pasko.
“The greatest reward is to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for others. These scholarships help keep Joe’s name and his sacrifice alive in the hearts of our newest officers; some of which may not have even been born when Joe died.”
9-11 APPROPRIATE DAY TO RECOGNIZE NEW OFFICERS
Pasko went on to say that September 11 was an appropriate day to recognize these new officers.
“Today is a day that reminds people of the sacrifices police officers make,” said Pasko.
The Melbourne Police Foundation was established in 2006 as an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the services and programs of the Melbourne Police Department.
The foundation consists of local business owners and professionals. Families of the Shield, Inc., is a nonprofit organization that was established in 2009 to garner support and raise public awareness for police officers killed or injured in the line of duty and meet the needs of their family members.