HEROES FOUNDATION
Honoring our past. Changing our future. One life at a time.
Our Purpose
The purpose of the HEROES Foundation is to provide financial assistance to support qualifying individuals to attend paramedic school, and/or fire academy allowing a greater influence on the future of Murrieta Fire and Rescue, and the fire service as a whole.
Our Goals
- To establish a proactive approach to support the youth in our community.
- Retain Murrieta Fire Explorers and Cadets in good standing for future employment.
- To support a community driven fire service development support program through positive exposure to the department and city administration.
- To actively pursue a diverse reflection of the community demographics within the organization.
- To acknowledge and honor the legacy of Fire Chief Phil Armentrout, Captain Matt Moore, and Firefighter/Paramedic Dean Hale.
Eligibility Requirements
Scholarship awards will be given to candidates who meet the following:
- Applicant must possess the institution's standard prerequisite qualification.
- Applicant may be a current member of Murrieta Fire & Rescue's fire explorer, cadet program, or a member of the community.
- Applicants minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale or "C" average for applicants pursuing an academic degree.
Award Criteria
- Submission of a completed scholarship application.
- Priority will be awarded based on the quality of the proposed candidate.
- Murrieta Fire Explorers and Cadets will automatically be assigned priority on academic performance and financial need.
Terms of Awards
- All scholarships are paid directly to the scholarship recipient.
- Scholarships may be used for tuition, required books, equipment, and related academic expenses.
- Applicants are REQUIRED to attend the Heroes Foundation award ceremony.
- If a candidate qualifies for a Fire Academy and is accepted in a paramedic program within the same calendar year, that candidate may apply for scholarships for both programs.
- Scholarship awards are not transferable and may not be substituted. All federal, state, and local taxes are the responsibility of the scholarship recipients.
Scholarship Application
Fire Chief Phil Armentrout
Murrieta's Fire Chief tragically passed away on December 27, 2005. Phil Armentrout had battled cancer off and on for more than 12 years. He was hired as Murrieta Fire Chief in 2001, coming to the city from Chino, where he had been a Division Chief with Chino Valley Fire Department.
Though Chief Armentrout was battling cancer on and off for several years, he always conducted himself with dignity, class, and courage. Murrieta will forever miss his leadership and kind, caring spirit. He was well-loved in the community. In addition to his volunteer work raising money to fight cancer, Armentrout entertained community groups with his voice and guitar. According to Kay Riscol, "When Chief Armentrout would speak to you, he had an innate ability to make you feel like you were the only person in the room."
He endeared himself to a lot of people, especially the senior community. Chief Armentrout, 51, is survived by his wife and three children.
Though Chief Armentrout was battling cancer on and off for several years, he always conducted himself with dignity, class, and courage. Murrieta will forever miss his leadership and kind, caring spirit. He was well-loved in the community. In addition to his volunteer work raising money to fight cancer, Armentrout entertained community groups with his voice and guitar. According to Kay Riscol, "When Chief Armentrout would speak to you, he had an innate ability to make you feel like you were the only person in the room."
He endeared himself to a lot of people, especially the senior community. Chief Armentrout, 51, is survived by his wife and three children.
Firefighter/Medic Dean Hale
Dean Alan Hale passed away on November 22, 2019 after a long fought job-related cancer. Following his passion to serve as a firefighter, he became a cadet for both La Habra Heights and Alhambra fire departments. He worked as an EMT for five years prior to being hired full time with the City of Alhambra Fire Department where he worked for 17 years.
In 2007, he was hired with Murrieta Fire & Rescue, where he served until 2019. Over the years, he mentored Murrieta Fire Explorers, organized youth programs, served as Local 3540 Union president, and was the California State Firefighters Association director. In 2008, he was awarded with the distinction of Firefighter of the Year from Murrieta Fire Department. Dean enjoyed sports and vacationing with his family at the river. He was a devoted husband and loving father. He truly enjoyed coaching his children in soccer, baseball, and flag football.
Dean is survived by his devoted wife Audrey; three children, Stephanie, Brittany, Wyatt.
In 2007, he was hired with Murrieta Fire & Rescue, where he served until 2019. Over the years, he mentored Murrieta Fire Explorers, organized youth programs, served as Local 3540 Union president, and was the California State Firefighters Association director. In 2008, he was awarded with the distinction of Firefighter of the Year from Murrieta Fire Department. Dean enjoyed sports and vacationing with his family at the river. He was a devoted husband and loving father. He truly enjoyed coaching his children in soccer, baseball, and flag football.
Dean is survived by his devoted wife Audrey; three children, Stephanie, Brittany, Wyatt.
Captain Matt Moore
Matt Moore was a family man fueled by fire, yet driven by courage. He served Murrieta Fire & Rescue for 17 years at the rank of fire captain. Matt was an active member involved in community work. He enjoyed challenges, worked hard, and wanted to see others succeed. Matt was a devoted husband, father, and mentor to many individuals at work and in his personal life. According to his family, Matt was known for taking others under his wing. He understood the opportunities and impact of serving others to the best of your ability. Additionally, he believed that your greatest contributions are the ones you leave behind. According to Matt Moore, "The greatest example of love is service to others."
Captain Matt Moore died on March 10, 2008. Matthew Moore is survived by his wife, Sherry Moore; his children, Alyssa, Branden, and Trent. His son Trent followed in his fathers footsteps and currently is employed as a professional firefighter with Murrieta Fire & Rescue.
Captain Matt Moore died on March 10, 2008. Matthew Moore is survived by his wife, Sherry Moore; his children, Alyssa, Branden, and Trent. His son Trent followed in his fathers footsteps and currently is employed as a professional firefighter with Murrieta Fire & Rescue.