New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
The Eric Fernandes Memorial Scholarship Trust Fund is a New Bedford based scholarship that benefits the sons and daughters of firefighters here in New Bedford. So far we’ve given out approximately $40,000 in money that goes directly towards children getting their education. Here is the story of firefighter Eric Fernandes.
Eric Fernandes was born on April 30th, 1981 and was raised in New Bedford, MA. He belonged to the Immaculate Conception Church Parish and played Little and Pony League Baseball, making the all-star team one year. He attended New Bedford High School and then went on to earn his bachelor’s degree at The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in Sociology/Criminal Justice, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Eric came from a very close knit family and always stayed very close to them over the years.
In 2006 Eric became a New Bedford firefighter and served with great passion and integrity. He would often be heard telling his friends about some of the exciting and dangerous situations he found himself in. You could tell by listening to him that he truly enjoyed his work.
Eric passed away suddenly on June 16th, 2011 at the age of 30, leaving many family and close friends behind. For those who knew him well, this was truly a situation of too young. He had just began his career as a firefighter, and had recently purchased his first home. Eric is survived by his parents, grandmother, sister, and several cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Eric’s magnetic personality, big heart, and quick wit will never be forgotten by those who knew him. If you were a close friend of Eric’s you could always expect a call or a visit from him, especially if it had been a while since he had heard from you. One look at his Facebook wall will show you how many of those out there were positively affected by Eric and who will forever miss him dearly.
The Eric Fernandes Memorial Scholarship Trust Fund is an independent non-profit organization that is committed to supporting our young adults in their journey of seeking higher education.
Each year The Eric Fernandes Memorial Scholarship Trust Fund will award scholarships for selected children of New Bedford firefighters who are seeking higher education. Your support will help us accomplish this goal.
Along with offering tee shirts, buttons, and other fundraising material, we will be holding two major fundraising events each year: A poker tournament (Eric’s favorite past time), and a fundraiser celebration event complete with food, music, Chinese-style auction, and live artwork.
If you would like to make a cash donation or donate an item of value to be auctioned off, please click on the “Donate” link on the website.
Scholarship applications will be accepted in January and the application will be available on our website or at all of the NBFD station houses.
