Church Donates Scholarship for CGVFD

The Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM) received a generous gift from the First Baptist Church of Cumberland Gap through the establishment of an annual scholarship. This scholarship shows appreciation for the LMU-DCOM students who make up the Cumberland Gap Volunteer Fire Department (CGVFD).

Since early 2023, First Baptist Church of Cumberland Gap began cultivating a relationship with the dedicated volunteers of the CGVFD, recognizing their invaluable service to the community. The church sought to provide support and encouragement to the brave men and women who risk their lives to keep Cumberland Gap and surrounding areas safe. In addition to donations to the fire department, the church also has hosted the entire group and fed them during their training night.

In recognition of the critical role played by these volunteers, First Baptist Church of Cumberland Gap voted to establish an annual scholarship of $1000 specifically for LMU-DCOM students who are also members of the CGVFD. Approximately 45 to 50 volunteers are enrolled in LMUDCOM, with a handful also pursuing studies at the LMU-Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine (LMU-CVM).

"We are thrilled to be able to support the future of these dedicated medical professionals who selflessly serve our community," said Dr. Jay Sulfridge, pastor of First Baptist Church of Cumberland Gap. “Their commitment to both their medical studies and their volunteer firefighting duties is truly admirable, and we believe this scholarship will help them in their journey to make a positive impact on the lives of others.”

The scholarship aims to invest in the education of these individuals, empowering them to continue their service to the community through their roles as both medical professionals and volunteer firefighters. First Baptist Church of Cumberland Gap is committed to working closely with the CGVFD and the Cumberland Gap community to ensure the success of this initiative and to support efforts to keep the area safe. 

The DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine is located on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee, and at LMU-Knoxville in Knoxville, Tennessee. LMU-DCOM is an integral part of LMU’s values-based learning community and is dedicated to preparing the next generation of osteopathic physicians to provide health care in the often-underserved region of Appalachia and beyond. For more information about LMU-DCOM, call 1.800.325.0900, ext. 7082, email dcom@LMUnet.edu, or visit us online at http://med.LMUnet.edu.