Loudoun First Responders Foundation Awards $57,000 in Scholarships

The Loudoun First Responders Foundation has awarded $57,000 in scholarships to 27 graduating high school seniors, bringing the nonprofit’s total scholarship giving to more than $350,000 since the program began.

The scholarships recognize graduating seniors who are children of active or volunteer first responders or who serve as first responder volunteers themselves. Eligible applicants include students connected to the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, the Leesburg, Middleburg and Purcellville police departments, and
Loudoun County Animal Services.

This year’s awards follow $51,000 in scholarships presented to 31 students in 2025.

“Every scholarship we award is a thank-you to a family that gives every day to the county,” said Eric Retzlaff, president of the Loudoun First Responders Foundation. “Our first responders show up for our community every single day, often at real personal sacrifice, and investing in their children’s futures is one of the most meaningful ways we can show up for them in return.”

Retzlaff said surpassing $350,000 in lifetime scholarship awards reflects the community’s continued support for Loudoun’s first responders and their families.

The scholarship program is funded entirely through community donations and partnerships. Applications for the 2027 scholarship cycle will open early next year.

Eligibility information and application guidelines are available through the Loudoun First Responders Foundation. To learn more go to lfrf.org.