Picnic honors late firefighter Sharyl Frasier, aids students

May 12, 2012 at 12:06a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

City firefighters joined members of the community for games, food and contests Friday in hopes of raising money for a scholarship fund in the name of the city’s first black female firefighter.

Sharyl E. Frasier joined the fire department in November 1981. She died Feb. 10, 2011, on her 53rd birthday. Frasier retired from the department in 2009.

While in the department, Frasier was instrumental in obtaining the Kneeley Fire Safety Trailer to help teach kids the dangers of fire. She also worked with young people in the Juvenile Firefighter Program, where troubled youths are taught about fire safety.

Marsha Harris, a 22-year veteran of the Youngstown Fire Department, said the Youngstown Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters devised a plan to honor Frasier and continue her goal of educating young people.

The association is looking to raise $5,000 to start a scholarship fund for young people who want to become firefighters.

The association had the first tribute to Frasier last year and raised about $2,500 toward the fund. They came together with members of the community Friday for The Second Annual Sharyl Frasier- Everett Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser Event in hopes of raising another $2,500.

“We are trying to raise the whole $5,000 before we begin disbursing scholarships. Last year we did raise $2,500 so we are trying to match or exceed that amount this year,” said Harris.

The YABPFF will be presenting the scholarships at its annual benefit dinner if the $5,000 goal is reached. Harris said it has not been decided how many scholarships will be provided with the $5,000.

Friday’s fundraiser brought people together from all over the community for entertainment, refreshments, cash prizes, raffles and a silent auction.

Harris said Frasier would be pleased to see money raised for the education of future firefighters, but she likely would shy away from all the fuss made about her career and her accomplishments.

“I believe she would be humbled by all of this,” Harris said.

“She would probably cry and say we shouldn’t have done it and ask that someone else be honored instead of her.”