Deadline: 04/01/2026

Donald Barry retired from the Connecticut State Police in 1992 after 20 years of dedicated service. His years of experience as a State Trooper conducting criminal and fire investigations led him to work in the private sector as a fire investigator in his retirement. He was highly respected for his knowledge, gained by both experience and education. He believed education was the key to attaining the proper knowledge base necessary to exceed in police work and fire investigations, leading to the preservation of life and property. Don always made time for his peers and would go the extra mile to show anyone who asked, how to conduct an investigation or related task. Don passed away in 1998 and left a legacy of education and learning.

The New London County Fire Marshal’s Association is proud to honor his memory through this scholarship program, so his efforts could be perpetuated through current day students and future investigators.

The Donald Barry Scholarship(s) shall be awarded only to New London County Residents who are or will be enrolled in a certified, bona fide college fire science, fire protection, police science or criminal justice program at the undergraduate or graduate level. 

• Candidates may be enrolled to attend class in person or on-line.

• Candidates may be part-time or full time students.

• Recipients of the Donald Barry Scholarship can qualify only one time; however, they may reapply if denied for future semesters.

• Candidates must file an Official NLCFMA Scholarship Application with supporting documentation as appropriate, an essay describing yourself and aspirations related to the fire marshal community, and two letters of reference; one from a teacher and one from a fire service or law enforcement professional. Neither may be a family member. Proof of address must also be attached.

New London County Fire Marshal’s Association

NLCFMA (Scholarship Committee) P.O. Box 567 Jewett City, CT 06351

Elaine Main, Fire Inspector, Mystic Fire Department

elaine.main@mfd-ct.org

860-572-7567 ext211