FAMA Awards 2023 Phillip L. Turner Scholarship to Leonardo Vargas
Ocala, FL, August 21, 2023 – The Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) awarded
its 2023 Phillip L. Turner Fire Protection Scholarship to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU)
student Leonardo Vargas. Vargas was selected to receive the $5,000 scholarship in recognition
of his outstanding scholastic achievements and his long-term vision for his future career in the
fire industry.
As a junior in the Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology program at EKU, Vargas is
focused on preparing for his career and gaining applicable experience towards his goal. Vargas
has worked in the EKU Fire Extinguisher Lab where he was responsible for the ongoing
inspections and maintenance of over 250 fire extinguishers. Vargas currently serves as the
Treasurer of EKU’s chapter of Society of Fire Protection Engineers.
This summer, Vargas is interning at Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL). He is working to identify
and evaluate the critical equipment within their fire protection system. Using the conclusions from
his internship, ORNL fire protection engineers can bolster and maintain their supply of fire
protection spares designated for protecting the Radiochemical Engineering and Development
Center (REDC). His acceptance to the Technical and Professional Internship Program at ORNL
has broadened Vargas’ awareness of the extensive opportunities within the field of fire protection.
The Phillip L. Turner Scholarship is awarded annually by FAMA and has been sponsored by the
Akron Brass Company since 2009. Akron Brass is a worldwide marketer and manufacturer of
high-performance life safety, firefighting, and emergency rescue equipment. Hale Products joined
Akron Brass in 2021 to support the highly desirable scholarship. Hale builds high-quality
firefighting equipment and is known for its exceptional quality and advanced technology. Akron
Brass and Hale Products are IDEX Fire & Safety brands and are FAMA members.
“As leaders in innovative fire suppression products for more than 100 years, we value the
importance of education and its role in leading the next generation in shaping the future of the fire
and rescue service. Akron Brass and Hale Products are honored to continue our partnership with
FAMA and the Phillip L Turner scholarship program. We are thrilled to recognize Leonardo Vargas
as this year’s scholarship recipient,” said Bill Simmons, President, IDEX Fire & Safety.
On behalf of FAMA, we wish Leonardo Vargas a successful career in fire protection
engineering.
About FAMA:
The Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) is a non-profit trade association
organized in 1946. Members of FAMA are committed to enhancing the quality of the fire apparatus
industry and emergency service community through the manufacture and sale of safe, efficient
fire apparatus and equipment.
