PORTAGE — The Joe and Tony Kompardo Portage Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Scholarship Fund is a scholarship for members of the Portage Volunteer Fire Company (PVFC) and Portage Area Ambulance Association (PAAA) who are looking to pursue higher education. The fund was named in memory of twin brothers Joseph S. and Anthony W. Kompardo.

The Kompardos have left an honorable legacy in the Portage community; Joe, Tony, and their father all served the PVFC.

Their dedication to the PVFC was so evident, many joke they were married to it. Fire prevention and fire safety were among their top priorities and they took time to educate students in the community. The brothers were both fire chiefs during their decades of membership.

The fund was started by Joe and Tony’s sister, Agnes Kompardo. “I asked myself, ‘What can I do to honor my brothers?’ They were good men and this is my way to thank them,” said Agnes, who wanted to commemorate her brothers while continuing their legacy in the community.

This fund will give PVFC members and PAAA employees an opportunity to pursue higher education and explore more career paths. To qualify for this scholarship, an applicant must have at least two years of active service or lifetime membership and/or two years of employment and looking to pursue higher education.

The Joe and Tony Kompardo Portage Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Scholarship Fund is one of dozens of scholarship funds at the Community Foundation. For 25 years, the Community Foundation has been connecting donors with the causes that matter most to them. Those who are interested in establishing a fund to support their passion can contact Nancy Marley at the Community Foundation (814-536-7741) or visit our Funds page for more information.