Scholarship fund memorializes local firefighter Henry Banks

Local student named recipient of EMT fund

LEWISTOWN -- Henry Banks was a dedicated firefighter with a heart of gold. Just ask those within the community or, better yet, his colleagues at the Junction Fire Company in Lewistown.

His career as a firefighter was just blooming, newly graduated from his EMT class. Unfortunately, his life was tragically cut short in a vehicle accident in May 2022. Following his passing, Banks' colleagues honored his memory through his greatest passion, by awarding one student the opportunity to follow in his footsteps and attend EMT school.

The Henry Banks Scholarship Fund began as a company effort in November 2023. Derek Bledsoe, scholarship chairman, beamed with pride as he spoke about the new initiative.

"Upon his passing, we had set up a scholarship fund in his honor. The goal of that is to fund tuition for one student each year to go to EMT class. This year's tuition is $900, so the fund is for $900."

The recipient of this year's scholarship was awarded during a ceremony Tuesday night to Ellie Briggs, of McClure, at Junction Fire Company.

Banks was not only a proud firefighter, but is still highly praised by all who knew him as a courageous individual. Bledsoe echoes those sentiments.

"He was a really good guy. He would take his shirt off his back and give it to anybody; it was just the kind of person he was. Seeing that being an EMT was his passion, we decided to give back in his honor ... he was a big rock within the fire department, so it was such a tragic loss for everybody."

Bledsoe hopes the scholarship fund will be an incentive to bring new EMTs to the community and give those an opportunity to advance their career in a field that is both rewarding and invaluable.

The scholarship fund is simply one of many ways to pay homage to Banks and ensure his legacy lives on.

For those interested in donating to the scholarship fund, contact the Junction Fire Company at (717) 248-0393 or find them on Facebook.