The Larimer County Ranger Excellence School Brendan Unitt Scholarship Program was created to honor the memory of a selfless servant in our field. The program is designed to provide a scholarship to persons pursuing a career in conservation enforcement and emergency response. 

Brendan Unitt was a 2011 graduate of Windsor High School and served his country in the United States Marine Corps. A graduate of Colorado State University, he dedicated his life to helping others in Larimer County.

Brendan began to serve as a Larimer County Natural Resources Boat Ranger at Horsetooth Reservoir in 2020 and committed himself wholeheartedly to providing safety assistance and emergency response to visitors at Horsetooth Reservoir. Without hesitation, he selflessly responded to an emergency call for help from a distressed boater on August 20, 2020, when he risked and lost his life to save another. He was 27 years old.

In honor of his ultimate sacrifice, the RES Brendan Unitt Scholarship will be awarded annually. This scholarship is tuition only. Lodging, transportation, and food are not included.

Application closes April 1st, 2025.