Charles Homer Barton Scholarship Fund Grant

The Charles Homer Barton Scholarship Fund supports the dependent children of police officers and sheriff's deputies in Fairfax and Loudoun Counties, focusing on academic achievement and good citizenship. Established in memory of Deputy Charles Homer Barton, who heroically lost his life in a plane crash while aiding others, the scholarship aims to aid those pursuing undergraduate education at accredited institutions. Special consideration is given to children of officers killed in the line of duty.

About the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia
Its work is guided by a strategic plan that advances four key priorities for the region:

• Social and Economic MobilityOpportunities for AllInclusive Systems of Economic GrowthCommunity Resilience
• Charles Homer Barton Scholarship Fund

The Charles Homer Barton Scholarship was established for the dependent children of police officers and retired police officers in Fairfax and Loudoun Counties. Scholarship awards will be made with consideration for academic achievement and good citizenship. Charles Homer Barton dedicated his life to keeping his community safe, first as a police officer in Fairfax County, and later as a Deputy for the Loudoun County Sheriff's office. Although Deputy Barton was a "cop's cop" who took no nonsense from criminals, his colleagues describe him as "a big man with a huge heart," who earned their respect with his fairness and compassion. Deputy Barton was also a hero who literally gave his life to the service of others. In 1995, Deputy Barton was escorting a prisoner on an airplane that crashed, trapping the passengers in burning wreckage. Deputy Barton risked his own safety to stay aboard and help other passengers to escape. Because of his courage and selflessness, almost all of his fellow passengers survived the crash. However, Deputy Barton sustained severe injuries, and died in a hospital soon after the crash.

Eligibility

Open to the legally dependent children of police officers or sheriff's deputies who are employed by the Fairfax County, VA Police Department, the Loudoun County, VA Sheriff's Office and the Police Departments in Leesburg, Middleburg, and Purcellville. Primary attention will be given to children of police officers who have been killed in the line of duty.The scholarship is for undergraduate education at a two or four-year accredited college or university.The scholarship selection committee will consider both academic achievement and community service.