John O'Connor
Memorial Scholarship Trust

Mission Statement

The John O'Connor Memorial Scholarship Trust exists to immortalize the memory of Acting Fire Lieutenant John M. O'Connor and his supreme sacrifice. The trust provides financial assistance to graduating seniors who are dependants of New London Firefighters and who intend to continue their education at an accredited institution of higher education.

John M. O'Connor

On February 1, 1993, John M. O'Connor was an experienced New London Firefighter with 35 years on the job. He was working as the acting lieutenant of Engine 11 stationed at Fire Headquarters, 289 Bank Street. That evening John responded to a serious fire in a home at 91 Truman Street. While working to save trapped occupants of the home, John was struck and killed by an electrical line that had burned off of the building.

Eligibility

The John O'Conner Memorial Scholarship Trust grants awards to dependents of active New London Firefighters. Applicants must meet minimum scholastic criteria, plan on continuing their education after high school, and submit an essay describing a contribution they made to their community.  Additionally, applicants must submit an essay of approximately 250-400 words with this application describing their experience derived from a charitable or community service.

Deadlines

All applications must be received by the Scholarship Trust Secretary on or before April 1st of the year in which they wish to receive the award.

Process

After all applications have been collected by the Scholarship Trust Secretary, he/she will edit out all names and references that identify an individual in an attempt to maintain a level of anonymity. Edited copies of all applications will be provided to the seven Scholarship Trustees. After all seven trustees have reviewed the applications, they will meet to discuss the merits of each application. The outcome of this meeting and the amount of funds available will determine the number of awards and the dollar amount of the awards that granted.

Application

Applications are available in each of New London's three fire stations, from an active New London Firefighter, or may be downloaded from the link provided below.  Trustees can be reached by selecting the "CONTACT US" tab on the left side of the page.

Photo: Memorial honoring John O'Connor outside of New London City Hall.

JOT Application 2021.pdf