Accepting Applications in January 2026
#1818Scholarship Fund
The Anne Arundel Firefighters Emerald Society, Inc. (501c3) is seeking applications for their first annual #1818Strong Scholarship award. The Scholarship, announced in March of 2022, is in honor of Firefighter Greg Leonard of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department. Greg, whose fire department badge number was 1818, battled against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and was an inspiration to all of his family, friends, and colleagues. The #1818Strong Scholarship will provide an annual investment toward the educational future of Greg’s sons, Kip and Dash. In addition to that investment, one or several awards will be issued annually to qualified applicants to help them in their educational journey.
To be qualified, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Anne Arundel County Firefighter, EMT, and/or Paramedic retired due to medical or physical impairment, OR
- Spouse, child or stepchild, or grandchild of an Anne Arundel County firefighter, EMT, and/or Paramedic retired due to medical or physical impairment or who suffered a Line of Duty Death.
The annual Scholarship(s) will be awarded in May of 2026. Interested applicants should submit an application letter to the Anne Arundel Firefighters Emerald Society by March 17, 2026. The application letter should describe how the applicant meets the qualifications listed above and each of the following judging criteria:
- The applicant will be enrolled in or intend to enroll in a degree program, continuing education program, or skills training course(s).
- The applicant shall exhibit exemplary behavior and conduct in their day-to-day activities.
- The applicant shall serve as a role model amongst their peers and within their organization or school.
- Any additional factors such as professionalism, initiative, goal achievement, teamwork, and community service will be considered.
Up to three letters of recommendation are strongly encouraged. Applications must be received by March 17, 2026, in order to be considered. Applications should be mailed to:
Anne Arundel Firefighters Emerald Society, Inc.
Attn: Scholarship Committee
1649 Colony Rd.
Pasadena, MD 21122
Questions should be sent via email to info@aaemerald.com
#1818Strong Scholarship
#1818Strong
Annual Scholarship
Annual Scholarship
In 2021, Firefighter Greg Leonard was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. Greg's family and friends rallied around him to help him fight the disease and the #1818Strong hashtag was born, recognizing Greg's fire department badge number.
Annual Scholarship
Annual Scholarship
Annual Scholarship
The Scholarship Fund will award annual scholarships to Anne Arundel County fire service members who have retired due to injury or illness, or to the families of Anne Arundel County fire service members who have retired due to injury or illness, or who suffered a Line of Duty Death
Annual Investment
Annual Scholarship
Annual Investment
The #1818Strong Scholarship fund provides an annual investment for Greg's boys, Kip and Dash. This fund will help ensure that Greg and his family do not have to worry about funding their boy's future education needs.