Grantham University - 
Scholarship Recipients 2011-2012

In continuation of its dedication to the professional development needs of law enforcement command staff, the IACP Foundation is pleased to announce the results of its nationwide application process for three full scholarships to Grantham University.  The scholarships, valued at a total of $108,000, will cover tuition costs, required textbooks, software, and fees for the recipients to earn their undergraduate or graduate degrees. 

Scholarship Recipients

Celebrating Women in Law Enforcement

In celebration of the critical role of women in law enforcement, particularly in leadership capacities, the Women in Law Enforcement (WLE) Scholarship recognizes one outstanding female officer in law enforcement.

Captain Inez M. Gonzalez, Newark, New Jersey Police Department

Captain Inez M. Gonzalez began her law enforcement career as a recruit for the Rutgers University Police Department in August of 1988.  In October of 1989, Captain Gonzalez joined the Newark Police Department and has served in every precinct in the city, rising to the rank of captain in April 2006, becoming the first Latina police captain in Newark’s history.  Captain Gonzalez has commanded the Special Victim’s Unit, Safe City Task Force, 5th Precinct, Office of Internal Affairs, Communications and Prisoner Processing Divisions and is currently the Commander of the Inspectional Services Division.

For the last twenty three years Captain Gonzalez has devoted much of her spare time to community service, having received a number of resolutions and proclamations from the Office of the Mayor, the Office of the Essex County Executive and the New Jersey State Assembly in her honor. In April of 2011, Captain Gonzalez was recognized by the National Association of Professional Women for Excellence and Dedication within her profession.

Honoring Our Combat Veterans in Law Enforcement

The Combat Veterans in Law Enforcement (CVLE) Scholarship honors the contribution that veterans have made to the safety and security of our nation.  This scholarship is awarded to an active law enforcement officer who has served in the military and has received an honorable discharge, or is currently serving in a re107serve status.

Deputy Jeff Bamberg, Shelby County Sheriff's Office, Columbiana, Alabama

Deputy Bamberg has served with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office since March of 2008 as a patrol deputy.  Prior to joining the sheriff’s office, he proudly served in the United States Army Reserve for twelve years and was deployed for two combat tours, one to Afghanistan and one to Iraq.  During his time in the field, Deputy Bamberg earned numerous commendations including the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service during his deployment to Afghanistan. 

Deputy Bamberg hopes to become a field training officer at the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and use his education to continue advancing his career in professional policing.  He is currently a logistics officer and holds the rank of captain in the United States Army Reserve and he plans to continue serving in the military for another 10 to 15 years with goal of retiring as a colonel.   Deputy Bamberg holds a Bachelors of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Alabama and, with this scholarship, he plans to pursue his Masters of Business Administration at Grantham University.

Strengthening Our Nation

In honor of all law enforcement officers’ service to our national, state, local and tribal communities, this General Scholarship is awarded to one active duty law enforcement officer who has shown exceptional initiative in advancing his or her education and career.

Deputy Chief Michael Booker, Rockford, Illinois Police Department

Michael Booker is a 28-year member of the Rockford, Illinois Police Department, currently serving as Deputy Chief of Field Services.  During his career, Deputy Chief Booker has served as a patrol officer, traffic investigator, detective, detective sergeant and lieutenant. Deputy Chief Booker has been instrumental in implementing several evidence- based programs for the Rockford Police Department including Weed and Seed, The Drug Market Initiative Strategy and a Seasonal Crime Reduction Initiative based on the Indianapolis Gun Reduction Strategy.

Deputy Chief Booker has participated in presentations of research of the Drug Market Initiative with the School of Criminal Justice at Michigan State University, and he also serves as an advisor in this capacity to the Bureau of Justice Assistance in Washington, D.C.  Deputy Chief Booker is a graduate of the 200th Session of the F.B.I. National Academy, in Quantico, Virginia.  He received an Associates of Applied Science Degree in Police Science from Rock Valley College, and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Management from Judson University where he currently serves as a member of the criminal justice department’s advisory board.  With this scholarship, Deputy Chief Booker will be pursuing a master’s degree.

With these scholarships, the IACP Foundation and Grantham University look forward to offering the most committed law enforcement officers the opportunity to advance their education and career,
in turn bringing new ideas and expertise to
homeland security and the protection of our communities.