John M. "Spike" Schmitt Memorial Scholarship

The Washington County Deputy Sheriff’s Association (WCDSA) offers an annual scholarship to individuals interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement.  This scholarship is named in memory of Deputy John “Spike” Schmitt who died September 7, 1998, as a result of a vehicle crash while he and his partner were responding to a request for backup from a neighboring law enforcement agency.  The scholarship is funded by contributions from the WCDSA and is dedicated to the future of American law enforcement.  It is the goal of the WCDSA to assist qualified students in pursuing undergraduate studies which will prepare them to enter a career in the law enforcement profession.

Graduates in field

Put yourself in the running

The Washington County Deputy Sheriff’s Association awards one scholarship in the amount of $2,500, to a qualified applicant, pursuing a law enforcement related degree program.  The scholarship is payable to an accredited college or university for tuition only.

The annual deadline to apply is May 1st of each year.

Click the button below to complete the scholarship application.

Hand-written applications will not be accepted.

Eligibility criteria

GPA of 3.0 or better (4.0 scale)

Pursuing a course of study in a law enforcement career

Any high school or college student attending a school in Washington County, or a graduate of a Washington County high school but attending college elsewhere; or any child of a WCSO employee

No negative law enforcement contacts (minor traffic offenses excluded)

Must submit two letters of recommendation

Additional criteria included with application materials