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Scholarship inspired by fallen firefighter Morgan Kitchen announced by Beiseker Fire Department

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Morgan Kitchen, 24, died fighting the wildfires in Jasper.

A scholarship has been established by the Beiseker Fire Department (BFD) that honours the memory of firefighter Morgan Kitchen, who died in the Jasper wildfires.

The BFD announced the $1,000 annual scholarship in a media release on Wednesday, which they say is “dedicated to supporting the educational goals of the next generation of Alberta firefighters.”

In addition to his work with Alberta Wildfire, Kitchen served as a volunteer member of the BFD from January 2021 to June 2022, when he joined the Royal Marines.

“People who choose a life of service, as Morgan did, deserve to be remembered,” said BFD deputy chief Amanda Davies.

“When these memories are shared with the newest members of our profession, the spirit of sacrifice endures. Morgan was an eager and engaged member of BFD, always ready for anything. We set up this award to recognize and perpetuate the values of selflessness, courage and mentorship Morgan embodied.”

The award will be administered by Lakeland College, where it will be awarded to a student enrolled in Lakeland’s full-time firefighter training or emergency services technology program.

Given Kitchen’s service in the Canadian Armed Forces and British royal Marines, special consideration will be given to members of volunteer fire departments, Commonwealth Armed Forces and Alberta Wildfire.

“We’re grateful to BFD for helping keep Morgan’s spirit alive through this award,” said Kitchen’s family – both the Kitchens and the Avrams -- in a media statement.

“We hope it inspires future firefighters to serve with the same courage and commitment Morgan did.”

Applications are available at Lakeland Colleges awards platform here.