MATT HANENKRATH LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

Matt Hanenkrath, a 2001 graduate of Ayersville Local Schools, began his public safety career in the fall of 2000.  Upon graduation Matt successfully passed the State of Ohio basic EMT exam and began his career as a volunteer with the Highland Twp. Fire Dept.   He didn’t stop there as he became a firefighter and an Advanced EMT with the department.  Matt’s passion for public safety continued in 2005 when he became a communications officer and a 911 dispatcher with the Defiance County Sheriff’s Office.  Continuing on in 2013 with a desire for a leadership role, Matt became the training coordinator for Lucas County Public Safety.  In 2016 Matt returned to Defiance and was appointed the 911 coordinator for Defiance County 911 Center.  Matt’s leadership skills were also visible in the community.  He coached several athletic sports at Ayersville Schools as well as being elected to the school board and later becoming board president.  With his desire for public safety and leadership Matt took on the job as fire chief for the South Richland Fire Dept while continuing an active role with Highland Twp Fire Dept.  The spirit of putting others first was exemplified on June 27, 2023 when Matt gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect life and property. 

 The Matt Hanenkrath Leadership Foundation will award a $500 scholarship to a graduating individual who has an interest in pursuing public safety as a career. Qualifying majors include but are not limited too; Emergency Medical Technician, Firefighter, Paramedic, Nursing and Law Enforcement. Individuals must submit a short essay explaining in detail why they feel they should be awarded the scholarship. The essay should include a brief summary of yourself, along with the profession you are pursuing and why you are choosing that career path.

Past Scholarship Recipients

2026 - Grace Flory