Two Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) students have received the first Jerry Jones Memorial Scholarship, which provides financial support for students in the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Advanced EMT certificate programs.
This scholarship honors the memory of firefighter and EMT Jerry Jones. Over a 40-year period, he served at many fire departments—both as a volunteer and career firefighter—most recently retiring from the Fulton County Fire Department, said Jennifer Jones, ex-wife of Jerry Jones.
“We are so grateful to the Jones family for this scholarship,” said Lauretta Hannon, executive director of Institutional Advancement at GNTC. “Being an EMT and firefighter wasn’t just a job for Mr. Jones; it was a calling.”
“It’s wonderful to see his legacy continue through these EMT students who embody that same spirit,” Hannon said. “I can’t think of a better way to honor his memory, and we are deeply thankful.”
(From left, front) Jerry Jones Memorial Scholarship donors Jennifer Jones and Juliann Jones; GNTC Foundation administrator Sarah Egerer; (back) Jerry Jones Memorial Scholarship recipients Nicholas “Connor” Elrod and Everett Williams; and Everett Williams’ mother, Amy Williams, pose for a photo to celebrate the scholarship’s inaugural awards.
Nicholas “Connor” Elrod and Everett Williams have received the scholarship. Both are EMS Professions students at GNTC’s Whitfield Murray Campus in Dalton.
“Jerry started his firefighting career at 15 as a volunteer firefighter with the Collierville Fire Department in Collierville, Tennessee,” Jennifer Jones said. “He eventually enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the Gulf War.”
“Jerry was so passionate about his career that it seems appropriate to use his memory to further the careers of other EMT students and help address the shortage of EMT professionals,” Jennifer Jones said.
His children Jonathan Hess, Jeremy Jones and Juliann Jones, as well as his grandchildren, have been excited about the opportunity to share in his legacy in this way, she said, adding that his siblings Larry Jones, Pamela York and Karen Dixon also support the scholarship.
“We hope this award will be the first of a long line of scholarship awards to well-deserving students in their pursuit of their EMT certification,” Jennifer Jones said. Georgia Northwestern Technical College provides quality workforce education to the citizens of northwest Georgia. Students have the opportunity to earn an associate degree, diploma or a certificate in aviation, business, health, industrial or public service career paths. This past year, 13,775 people benefited from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs. GNTC has an annual credit enrollment of 8,836 students and an additional enrollment of 4,939 people through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training and Georgia Quick Start.
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