Today, City Council awarded Fanshawe College student Lindsay Townsend with the 2024 Tim Hickman Memorial Health and Safety Scholarship.
This annual $3,000 scholarship for students enrolled in an occupational and/or public health and safety related program was established in 2006 by the City of London and CUPE Locals 101 and 107, as a tribute to employee Tim Hickman, who died in service to the community at age 21.
“The City of London remains committed to preventing workplace tragedies,” says Mayor Josh Morgan. “The Tim Hickman Memorial Health and Safety Scholarship gives us an opportunity to acknowledge those who dedicate their careers to workplace health and safety. Thank you, Lindsay, for your dedication to protecting our community.”
Townsend is currently enrolled in the Fire Inspection and Fire Safety Education program at Fanshawe College. Once she graduates, Townsend plans to become a Fire Prevention Officer and Fire Safety Educator. Her goal is to empower individuals across all age groups with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate fire emergencies. Townsend recognizes people need to relearn fire safety as they enter different stages of life, and as technology advances and poses new risks.
“Preventing another family from losing a loved one in the workplace is what this scholarship is all about,” says Shirley Hickman, the mother of Tim Hickman for whom the scholarship memorializes. “This scholarship allows the lessons learned from our loss to be carried forward to prevent future tragedies. And that is very important.”
Lindsay will receive $3,000 to help with her continued studies, as well as a one-year membership to the London chapter of the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE), which is pleased to support her future health and safety endeavors.
Above: Photo of Mayor Josh Morgan, 2024 Tim Hickman Memorial Health and Safety Scholarship winner Lindsay Townsend, and Cathy Stark, Manager of Health, Safety and Wellness at the City of London.