Wisniewski Family Scholarship Fund Honors Fallen Firefighter

Justin Wisniewski's life was honored this weekend during an annual gathering and scholarship presentation at YMCA’s Camp Sloper.

Wisniewski died in April 2005 after taking a fall during a Southington Fire Academy training six years ago. He was 18 at the time and a full-time college student with plans of becoming child psychiatrist.

Wisniewski's parents, Eric and Jill Wisniewski have joined family and friends in establishing the Justin Wisniewski Firefighters Scholarship Inc. The fund has grown each year, this year giving five scholarships to a firefighter or spouse, child or sibling of a firefighter. Another scholarship is awarded to a local scout achieving a life rank or silver rank, since Wisniewski was an Eagle Scout.

Other scholarships gave money to two residents dedicated to volunteerism within the community.

The money was raised through an annual Ride-4-Justin event held May 1, where hundreds of bikers rode in memory of Wisniewski. Eric Wisniewski said Justin was proud of meeting his goal of buying a motorcycle and riding to his high school graduation.

“He did it,” Eric Wisnieski said. “Since then we've all learned to ride and bought our own bikes, and even a lot of our friends have.”

This year the Wisniewski’s were able to don out $5,000 to five scholarship winners.

“It has been growing more and more, the more people here about the scholarship, and the more we raise,” Eric Wisniewski said. “I think doing this every year helps us because we're doing something positive.”

Bryan Polzella, 18 was one of the recipients to receive money Saturday. The brother of a volunteer firefighter in town, he plans to study business management at Central Connecticut State University this fall.

James Palko, 17 won his scholarship based on his community service work as a boy scout. He plans to attend the University of New Haven this fall.

“I was happy to find out I got the scholarship, especially because it was for community service, which I think is important,” Palko said.

The Wisniewski’s said they've been touched by the support of the town, even many strangers who've been attending Ride 4 Justin events after hearing about their son. They plan to continue their efforts hoping to reach more and more applicants each year.

“The town, and the fire departments and all of our volunteers have been so great,” Eric and Jill Wisniewski said. “Just hearing from people that know us, but want to help, it means a lot.”