2025 Recipients:

• Megan Barker of Woodinville, Washington

• Katherine Davis of Bartlett, Tennessee

• Emerson Toole of Vero Beach, Florida

• James Watts, III of Memphis, Tennessee

Ms. Emerson Toole is the daughter of Mr. Patrick Toole, a member of Vero Beach Police Officers Association, I.U.P.A. Local #6019. Toole is attending Florida International University where she is studying Criminal Justice and Disaster Management, preparing for a career in Federal Law Enforcement. On this auspicious honor, Ms. Toole stated, “Thank you all so very much. I’m so very grateful for this blessing once more.” Ms. Toole is being awarded the scholarship for the third year in a row!

In her application essay, Ms. Toole stated, “My parents absolutely love their careers. Both have always headed to work with a smile and are respected, appreciated, and important members of our community who make a difference in our town. I hope to emulate that for my career as an agent in a federal law enforcement agency.” She continued, “I hope to serve my community as my parents do. I believe that education is priceless, and ongoing, and the combination of life experiences and book learning will make me the best agent that I can be.”

Ms. Megan Barker is the daughter of Mr. Matthew Barker, a member of Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs Law Enforcement Associates, I.U.P.A. Local #27. Barker is attending University of Washington where she is studying to become a lawyer.

On this, Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs Law Enforcement Associates, I.U.P.A. Local #27 President Chris Tracy stated, “Ms. Megan Barker is an exceptional young lady. She has graduated from Woodinville High School with a 3.9 GPA, three years of American Sign Language coursework, and plans to study at University of Washington to become a lawyer. She is the child of two public servants who aspires to spend her life in public service as they have. On behalf of all of Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs Law Enforcement Associates, I.U.P.A. Local #27; I am pleased and proud of her accomplishment of being named an Edward J. Kiernan Memorial Scholar. I know she has a bright future ahead.”

Ms. Katherine Davis is the daughter of Mr. Joshua Davis, a member of Memphis Police Association, I.U.P.A. Local #318. Davis is attending Union University where she is studying forensics to work for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

On this, Memphis Police Association, I.U.P.A. Local #318 President Matt Cunningham stated, “Ms. Katherine ‘Katie’ Davis toured the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s crime laboratories last summer, finding her future career there. This impressive young woman excelled in her studies in high school where she has been described by her teacher as a student who goes above and beyond consistently, with exceptional work ethic and character. I am confident that she will apply herself to her studies at Union University equally successfully and that they will serve her well in her future work at the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.”

Mr. James Watts, III is the son of Mr. James Watts, II, a member of Memphis Police Association, I.U.P.A. Local #318. Watts is attending the University of Central Arkansas where he is studying cybersecurity for a future career as a Cybercrime Investigator.

On this, Memphis Police Association, I.U.P.A. Local #318 President Matt Cunningham stated, “Mr. James Edward Watts, III is an extremely bright young man who excelled in his studies at First Assembly Christian School, in football and track and field, and now at University of Central Arkansas, where he will dedicate himself to the study of Cybersecurity so that he can track and investigate cybercriminals involved in hacking, fraud, identity theft, and other online crimes.”

The Edward J. Kiernan Memorial Scholarship was established in 1999 by Sam A. Cabral, I.U.P.A.’s International President, to honor Edward J. Kiernan, a New York City Police Officer and former I.U.P.A. President, in recognition of Eddie’s long commitment to the improvement of law enforcement officers’ and their families’ lives.

In order to qualify for a Kiernan scholarship, an applicant’s parent or guardian must be a member of an affiliate of the I.U.P.A.  The applicant must also be accepted at an accredited university or college in a course of study in law enforcement, labor relations, or a related field.   He or she must submit a current transcript as well as their SAT/ACT scores and a letter of recommendation by an official from the applicant’s school.