Donald C. Benson Memorial Scholarship Fund

SGT Donald C. Benson, Sr. EOW November 5th 1981

Sergeant Donald C. Benson, Sr. was a graduate of the Virginia Forensic Science Academy and a Deputy Sheriff for the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office. Sergeant Benson had served with the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office for 8 years. On November 5th, 1981, while investigating a domestic dispute, Sergeant Benson was killed in the line of duty. Sergeant Benson was shot as he and another deputy attempted to serve a court order for an emergency mental health evaluation. As the two deputies approached the suspect's home, the man opened the door and fired a small caliber handgun, fatally wounding Sergeant Benson. The other deputy returned fire and wounded the suspect in the abdomen. The man was taken into custody and committed to a state hospital. In 1991 the Virginia Forensic Science Academy Alumni Association formed a charitable foundation, the Donald C. Benson Memorial Scholarship Fund, Inc. for the general purpose of administering scholarship grants to qualifying individuals. Support from the VFSAAA, contributions from the Association members, the general public, and from law enforcement agencies will provide the Fund with money to finance scholarships. Contributions are tax deductible as provided under IRS regulations. The Donald C. Benson Memorial Scholarship Fund, Inc tax identification number is 54-1613304.

GUIDELINES

To be eligible for a scholarship an applicant must be; 1. A dependent of a current active member of the VFSAAA who is in good standing,2. Or a dependent of a former active member of the VFSAAA who was in good standing who left the VFSAAA because or retirement or disability,3. Or a dependent of a deceased former member of the VFSAAA, who was in good standing at his passing. To apply the applicant must submit the following items by the prescribed deadline for that year; 1. Completed application form,2. Transcript of the applicant’s high record or most recent college transcript3. A brief essay explaining why the applicant deserves the grant, to include accomplishments, and participation in school and outside activities, Scholarships will be awarded subject to the following guidelines; 1. The applicant’s need for assistance,2. Awarded for a period of one year, but a former recipient may reapply,3. The number of scholarships awarded each year will be limited by availability of funds and eligible applicants.
Please submit all applications plackets to the following address;Derek Richards/112th SessionLancaster County Sheriff's Office804-436-3699 richards@lancastersheriff.net
benson scholarship application 2026-2027
VFSAAA
FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE VFSA PLEASE CONTACT Jeff Dwyer jeffrey.dwyer@dfs.virginia.gov
FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE VFSAAA PLEASE CONTACT PRESIDENT ANDREA FELDMAN OR SECRETARY MARK GARMAN INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS PAGE.
Address/Contact Information
8850 Times Dispatch Blvd. Suite 100 Mechanicsville, VA 23116 vfsaaa@gmail.com