IN THE PHOTO: Jermaine Smith (center) received the Officer Jason West Memorial Fund Tuition Reimbursement Scholarship at the Cleveland Heights Police Academy Graduation on June 28. The award was presented by the organization’s President, Lita Gonzalez (R) and Liz Radivoyevitch, Vice President. The event was held at the Cleveland Heights Recreation Center.
Photo credit: Lou Radivoyevitch
The Officer Jason D. West Memorial Fund (OJWMF) awarded a $5000 tuition reimbursement scholarship to Jermaine Smith who graduated from the Cleveland Heights Police Academy, class of June 2023.
The $5000 award honors Officer West, a member of the Cleveland Heights Police Department who lost his life on May 26, 2007 while responding to a disturbance call.
“The board felt that Jermaine exemplifies all the qualities that endeared Officer West to the Cleveland Heights Community and made him an exemplary police officer,” said Lita Gonzalez, OJWMF board president. “He will be an asset to whichever Police Department and community he chooses to serve.”
In his application, Jermaine wrote that he sees becoming a police officer as not just a job but a calling. He is passionate about helping people and making a difference in his community. Previously he worked in a mental health hospital and that experience has helped him approach crisis situations in a way that can deescalate potential conflict and maintain a safe environment for everyone.
The Officer Jason West Memorial Fund was formed shortly after his death and has awarded 23 scholarships to graduating Heights High school seniors who planned to start careers in law enforcement. The fund also awarded two past recipients tuition reimbursement scholarships enabling them to attend the Cleveland Heights Police Academy. The OJWMF is currently focused on providing tuition reimbursement for selected CH Police Academy cadets.
The organization plans to award another tuition reimbursement scholarship to at least one member of the December 2023 class.
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