University of Central Florida Reception Celebrates Detective Barry Pruette Memorial Endowed Scholarship

From left to right: Laura Pruette, Chief Robert Merchant, Dean Michael Frumkin, Chuck Grist

It was an honor to attend a reception at the University of Central Florida's College of Health and Public Affairs. The event was hosted by Dean Michael Frumkin to celebrate the establishment of the Detective Barry Pruette Memorial Endowed Scholarship.

As I mentioned in a previous post, this was an effort of a decade by the citizens of Altamonte Springs, the officers and employees of the Altamonte Springs Police Department and the City of Altamonte Springs, and the Altamonte Springs Rotary Club. Finally, the money was raised to create this memorial scholarship which will be perpetual in Barry's name.

Along with several university officials like Dean Frumkin, Criminal Justice professor Dr. Ross Wolf, and Katie Korkosz, Assistant Director of Development and Alumni Relations, numerous Altamonte Springs Police representatives attended. These included Chief Robert Merchant, Deputy Chief Mike Deal, retired Deputy Chief Jack Martin, retired Lieutenant Stan Phipps, and of course, yours truly, a retired Altamonte Springs Master Police Officer. Barry's widow, Laura, was also present.

Thanks to everyone involved for their efforts in making this scholarship a reality.

Charles M. Grist
www.MyLastWar.com