Strengthening the Next Generation of Firefighters

When retired New York City firefighter Frank Palumbo met Pete Stavros and his wife, Lela, at the 1960 International Association of Fire Fighters Convention, he was deeply inspired by the couple’s generosity.

A member of the Oklahoma City Fire Department for 31 years, Pete met many family members of fellow firefighters who wanted to pursue a college education but were in need of financial assistance. After Pete’s family and firefighter friends established a scholarship fund at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation to honor his passion, Frank felt compelled to build on the fund with a standing monthly contribution.

“He would write me a check every month like clockwork,” said Jim Minx who represents the fund today. “Frank also didn’t like any accolades. He wouldn’t even collect the tax write-off slip, but I made sure to tell our fellow firefighters of his acts of kindness.”

Following Frank’s death in 2020, his wife, Constance, vowed to continue the tradition of supporting graduating Oklahoma high school seniors through the Pete and Lela Stavros Scholarship.