Matthew Hazelton

The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation announces the establishment of the Matthew Hazelton Memorial Scholarship for Law Enforcement. Created from donations received from the Matthew Hazelton Memorial 5K participants and private donations, this scholarship will benefit graduating Dunkirk and Brocton High School seniors who are pursuing a career in law enforcement or criminal justice.

“Dedication, integrity, honor, respect. These are words that describe Matthew Hazelton,” Dunkirk Police Chief David Ortolano had said in his eulogy. “He was a consummate professional, quietly doing his job each and every day.”

Hazelton was a life-long resident of northern Chautauqua County. He grew up in Brocton and went on to join the Dunkirk Police Department. Officer Matthew Hazelton was the highest producing member of the Dunkirk Police Department. He was active on the Department’s Dive Team, Special Response Team, and a member of Dunkirk’s K-9 Unit with his partner, Nico who predeceased him. On August 6, 2017, Matthew lost his courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). His wife Jennifer and daughter Ava survive him.

The Matthew Hazelton Memorial Scholarship for Law Enforcement criteria for students is simple. Applicants must be accepted to a two or four-year college, pursuing a career in law enforcement or criminal justice (includes criminal law, forensics, etc.), and, possess the same proud characteristics as Officer Hazelton.

The scholarship application is available on the NCCF website www.nccfoundation.org/hazelton or by contacting Victoria Howell, NCCF Scholarship Administrator at 366-4892 or vhowell@nccfoundation.org.

The NCCF, incorporated in 1986, is a tax-exempt charitable organization. Since its establishment, the NCCF has distributed more than $14 million in the community through its various grant programs. It is an organization inherently committed to enriching the northern Chautauqua community and encouraging local philanthropy. For more information on the NCCF, visit www.nccfoundation.org or call 366-4892.