Closed
This scholarship is part of the Winter application cycle.
This scholarship is open from December 1st to February 1st.
Originally written in the Rock River Times
Everyone who knew Randall Blank described him in the same way; happy, caring and completely dedicated to becoming a Rockford police officer. Randall worked hard to make his dream come true. He graduated from Jefferson High School and went to Rock Valley College. Randall passed the test for the police department but since there were no openings at the Rockford Police Department, he applied for the Freeport department instead. In February of 1980, a position became available, and Randall was finally hired as a Rockford Police officer. Patrol Officer Randall A. Blank was killed in the line of duty on December 31, 1980.
Randall’s funeral was held at St. Rita’s Church. Over 425 people, including 300 police officers from Rockford and surrounding areas, attended the services. Another 600 people were in the St. Rita’s gym, where they watched the services on closed-circuit television. Fellow officers were pallbearers, and over 100 squad cars followed the hearse to the cemetery.
Randall wanted to be a Rockford Police Officer from the time he was a boy. When people would ask him why he was so determined to make this his career, Randall always answered the same way. Randall wanted to help people and thought that being a peace officer would be a wonderful way to do that.
Though Randall was only 23 years old when he was killed, his dedication to the people of Rockford has carried his name through the years since his death.
Eligibility
Every CFNIL scholarship has a unique intent, often reflecting the background of the donor or person in whose memory the fund was created. CFNIL uses an online "universal" application to ensure the most efficient process; as an applicant, you do not need to predetermine which scholarships you should apply for. Complete ONE application each cycle, and your answers to a series of yes/no and personal background questions automatically match you to every scholarship you are eligible for. Because our scholarships were created to support students of all ages, backgrounds, and aspirations, we encourage every scholarship seeker (high school graduating seniors and older) to apply!