02/04/2025
Scholarship Application is now open
The David M. Bonsall Memorial Scholarship was created in the memory of Chief (LCSO)/ Colonel (CCSO) David M. Bonsall. Dave began his Law Enforcement career in Howard County Maryland in 1971. In 1977 Dave and family moved to Southwest Florida and he continued his career with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office until his retirement as Chief Deputy in 2004. In 2009 Dave was asked to be the Undersheriff of the newly elected Sheriff of Charlotte County, a position he held for 4 years. Then Colonel Bonsall retired again in 2012 after 37 years of public service. During this time Dave personified honor, integrity and leadership. In his pursuit for academic excellence, Dave not only obtained a Master’s Degree from the University of South Florida while working full time but also taught as an Adjunct Professor sharing his knowledge with others. Whether as teacher or student, superior or subordinate, the lives touched by David M. Bonsall are many.
This is a non-renewable scholarship in the amount of $1500.00. The applicant must be a high school senior AND the child of any current Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office (Florida) or Lee County Sheriff’s Office (Florida) employee. The applicant must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Criteria:
• Must be a High School Senior AND;
• Must have a GPA 3.0 or higher AND;
• Must be the child of a current Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office (FL) or Lee County Sheriff’s Office (FL) employee AND;
• Must submit an essay with the body consisting of a minimum of 600 words stating why you should be considered for this award. In this essay please define “integrity” and what that means to you. At the conclusion of your essay please include the following:
• Your graduating GPA AND;
• The number of verifiable volunteer hours you submitted for graduation AND;
• What school you plan to attend and what you are considering for your major. AND;
• What agency you are representing.
• Please see the example below
▪ Application period closes on the last day of March. No applications will be accepted after 11:59 pm on March 31, 2025.
Please send all applications as a Word doc. or PDF to [email protected].
Personal note: I created this with the intent to bless a family member and with the consent of my mother Joann. We believe in a blue family and hope to give back in my father’s name. College intent is not a pre-requisite as any continuing education is welcomed i.e., trade schools, law enforcement academies etc. Also, if you desire to donate to this scholarship, we are a 501c3.
Corporal Matthew A. Bonsall 98-057
Lee County Sheriff’s Office
