Two local students, including the son of Bridgeport Police Department Deputy Chief Randy Hartley, recently received the “Richard Pratt Memorial” Scholarship from the Mountaineer Lodge #78 of the Fraternal Order of Police.

 

Jeffrey Hartley, a graduate of Lincoln High School, and Scott Reed, a graduate or Robert C. Byrd High School, were awarded the $500 one-time scholarships. To be a candidate, the students have to be a child or grandchild of an active lodge member, according to Bridgeport resident, Stonewood Police Chief and FOP Secretary/Treasurer Robert Matheny.

 

The scholarships are done in honor of former Nutter Fort Police Chief Richard Pratt. Matheny said Pratt was instrumental in helping with the lodge during his time with the FOP as president.

 

“(Pratt) was a very dedicated individual who served for almost 10 years as president of the FOP Lodge,” said Matheny. “He was very involved in the Lodge and was responsible for growing the good work of the past presidents and taking the Lodge to a higher level.”

 

The scholarship program in honor of Pratt was started eight years ago. It began during Matheny’s term as president.

 

“We love giving out the scholarship because it’s one of the priorities of our organization to help with the quality of life issues with our families,” said Matheny a Bridgeport resident that has been with the Lodge for 29 years. “This is one way to help out.”

 

Hartley, as mentioned, is the son of Bridgeport Deputy Chief Randy Hartley.  Reed is the son of Sgt. Bill Reed of the Clarksburg Police Department.

 

“What’s really nice that the program has been around long enough that we’ve seen some of our winners graduate from college and begin their professional careers,” said Matheny. “We’ve had graduates become police officers, lawyers, veterinarians and more.  That’s gratifying because we like to think of the members we have as a big family.”

 

Matheny said there are 265 active members in the Lodge. He added that it represents all agencies in Harrison County.

 

Editor’s Note: Pictured, from left, are FOP Secretary and Treasurer Robert Matheny, Lodge Member Bill Reed, Scholarship recipient Scott Reed, Scholarship recipient Jeffrey Hartley, Lodge Member Randy Hartley, and FOP President Rick Barnhart.