TO: Members of the Western Maryland Troopers Association, Inc. (WMTA)
FROM: David T. Yohman, President of the WMTA
SUBJECT: Proposed Dissolution of the WMTA Scholarship Fund
DATE: April 2, 2025
Background
The Western Maryland Troopers Association was established by Dan Seiler, Allen Swope, and Charlie West with the mission of benefiting children in Washington County. Through numerous successful fundraisers and activities over the years, the WMTA has proudly supported many worthwhile initiatives including:
- Trooper Camp
- Family Bowling events
- Annual Christmas Party
- $2,000 Annual Scholarship Awards for Washington County Public Schools graduating seniors pursuing Criminal Justice degrees
Current Situation
After careful consideration, the Board of Directors has voted to conclude our Criminal Justice Scholarship program. We propose to donate the remaining scholarship funds to the Larry Small Scholarship Fund at Hagerstown Community College, a 501(c)(3) managed by the College Foundation.
About Larry Small
Larry Small began his connection with law enforcement as a criminal justice intern at the Barrack in 1985, where he studied the duties of a State Trooper and created a recruiting presentation for community outreach events. He later achieved his goal of becoming a Trooper and was assigned to the JFK Highway Barrack.
Tragically, Trooper Small and TFC Jerry Sawa lost their lives in the line of duty on I-95 when a truck driver fell asleep at the wheel and struck their vehicle.
The Larry Small Scholarship Fund
Professor Steve Zabatakas, a Criminal Justice Professor at Hagerstown Community College, established the Larry Small Scholarship Fund to honor his memory. This scholarship supports deserving students pursuing degrees in Criminal Justice, with most recipients coming from Washington County Public High Schools.
Since September 2008, the WMTA has been a major contributor to this scholarship program, making this a natural continuation of our mission to support Washington County students pursuing careers in law enforcement.
Notice to Members
This memorandum serves as official notice to all WMTA members of the proposed fund donation. If you have objections to donating the remaining scholarship money to the HCC Larry Small Scholarship Fund, please contact either:
- David Yohman at dyohman@myactv.net
All objections must be submitted by May 5, 2025, and should include an explanation of your concerns along with alternative solutions.
If no objections are received by the deadline, the remaining funds will be donated to the HCC Larry Small Scholarship Fund in the name of the Western Maryland Troopers Association.
Thank you for your ongoing support of our community initiatives.
Respectfully,
David T. Yohman
President, Western Maryland Troopers Association
