Morrison County Sheriff Michel Wetzel recently announced the commencement of the MN Sheriff's Association Scholarship Program for 2009.

According to Sheriff Wetzel, the MSA has established a scholarship fund totaling $9,000 for awarding up to fifteen $600 scholarships for this year.

The members of the MN Sheriff's Association are keenly aware of the financial burden placed on students attending the mandated peace officers skills course or a two to four year law enforcement degree school.

The MSA Scholarship Program is intended to assist those who are in financial need in furthering their goals toward a career in law enforcement.

The scholarship committee, in making its selection of awards, intends to achieve representation from all geographical areas of the state. Applications will be received at the Morrison County Sheriff's Office until Nov. 1, 2009 with scholarships being awarded by Dec. 31, 2009. Application forms and a statement of procedures are available at the Morri- son County Sheriff's Office.

Scholarship applications are only available to students currently enrolled in one of the following three categories:

o A mandated P.O.S.T. skills program

o Students in their second year of a two-year law enforcement program

o Students in their third or fourth year of a fouryear college criminal justice program.

Students who are uncertain of their eligibility are free to contact the Morrison County Sheriff's Office or stop by for further information.