Scholarships
Annual Scholarship Guidelines
Scholarships will be granted annually. The scholarships given will be determined by the Awards Committee with the approval of the Executive Board and Regional Directors. To be eligible, applicants must be a member in good standing with the Florida Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators. Applications must be postmarked no later than September 1, 2026. Applications postmarked after that date will not be considered.
Ryan Ward Scholarship
The Ryan Ward Scholarship was established to honor the memory of Ryan Ward. The son of lifetime member Jack Ward, Ryan was training to become a fire investigator in the family tradition of his father at the time of his tragic death at the age of 23. Ryan was a dedicated and involved member of the Florida Chapter. A scholarship will be awarded annually to a fire service member for training in fire investigation under this program. The scholarship will cover the cost of registration, hotel room, and any meals at the host hotel. The applicant would be responsible for his or her own transportation.
Applications should be forwarded to fliaainominations@gmail.com no later than September 1, 2026.
Larry Weintraub Scholarship
The Larry Weintraub Scholarship was established to honor one of the great pioneers in the field of fire investigations. Larry Weintraub has spent decades working in the field of fire investigations in both the public and private sectors. He has been involved in the Florida Chapter since 1973. Larry has held many positions with the Florida Chapter including chapter President. In 1999, Larry was given the distinguished life member award. Larry is also known for his role in the discovery of the open neutral phenomena. The scholarship is awarded on an annual basis. The scholarship covers the cost of registration and hotel stay to the Annual Conference. The applicant would be responsible for his or her own transportation and food. Requirements: The applicant must be hard working and dedicated, with a strong will to never give up! This is open to members of the chapter in good standing.
Applications should be forwarded to fliaainominations@gmail.com no later than September 1, 2026.
Past Presidents Scholarship
The Past Presidents Scholarship was established to provide the financial means for a participant to attend who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend the training. Anyone who is actively engaged in some phase of Arson Investigation or the administration of justice at the time is encouraged to apply for the scholarship. The scholarship is awarded on an annual basis. The scholarship covers the cost of registration to the Annual Conference. The applicant would be responsible for his or her own transportation, housing and food.
Applications should be forwarded to fliaainominations@gmail.com no later than September 1, 2026.
William “Bumper” Moylan Memorial Scholarship
The William “Bumper” Moylan Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the memory of Bumper, a longtime member, leader, and friend of the Florida Chapter. A proud and active member of the IAAI for more than 35 years, Bumper served on numerous committees, held leadership positions, including Past President, and received the Lifetime Membership Award from the Florida Chapter, where he was a devoted member for nearly four decades. Bumper Moylan will be remembered for his dedication, leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to the ire investigation community. His legacy will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him. The scholarship covers the cost of registration to the annual IAAI ITC, as well as stay at the host hotel location for the duration of the ITC. The recipient is responsible for their own meals and transportation.
Applications should be forwarded to fliaainominations@gmail.com no later than September 1, 2026.