Brooke DeLong
Southern Justice Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club Oklahoma Badlands awarded five Central Tech students with partial scholarships in the nursing and EMT field this week.
Captain Jim Madden with the Sapulpa Police Department, President of Southern Justice started his career as an EMT and later became a police officer.
Madden’s sister Diane, a nurse and a Vo-Tech graduate, lost her life in a car accident. To honor her memory and give back to the community, the club hosts Poker Runs and other events to help raise money for scholarships and first responders. Captain Madden told the students that being called to someone’s home, to save a life is stressful. He reminded them that life is full circle and they may end up working or saving the life of someone in the room.
Central Tech staff, family, and seven members of the Southern Justice were present as the recipients received a Poker Chip with the Club’s logo and a check to help on their education journey.
The nursing students were Randi White, Kelsey McCrackin, Jessica Capehart, Makyah Aldridge and the EMT recipient Cooper Thomas. Randi White said she is “passionate about patient care” and would only try to be more patient with those having a hard time. Cooper Thomas, son of a retired fireman and a Deputy would love follow in his father’s footsteps and one day become a fireman. His mom, Denna Thomas with the Creek County Sheriff’s Office said she is proud of her son and, “He’s a hard worker and knows what he wants!”
The students were humbled and thankful for the scholarship money. Southern Justice’s next “Pay It Forward” Scholarship Poker Run, which is open to not only motorcycles but cars, trucks and Jeeps. The starting point will be at Central Tech in Sapulpa, and will kick off at 10:00 am. Southern Justice, a nonprofit organization, is comprised of no less than 60% law enforcement members. They can be reached at 918-855-1230.
