Since 1982 the Hastings Firefighter’s Relief Association has awarded 25 scholarships once a year each year, to a deserving student at Hastings Senior High School in memory of Captain James A. Matsch. The Captain James A. Matsch Memorial Scholarship was established in 1981 in memory of the namesake.
James A. (Tuna) Matsch was a part-time paid-on-call Captain with the Hastings Fire Department for 16 ½ years. He served from January 4th 1965 until his untimely death, in surgery, on June 25th 1981.
Jim was a large man of stature with a heart to match; he was always an advocate for the underdog and a huge advocate for post high school education. Jim was very involved in the department. He served as the chair of the department’s annual fundraiser, which has been held since 1940, (Hastings Firefighter’s Booya). Jim was a mentor and a leader to all and is still missed to this day. To honor him, the Captain James A. Matsch Memorial Scholarship was created.
Congratulations to this year’s winner, Wesley Hedlund.
Past Recipients
2011 Scholarship Recipient Wesley Hedlund and Paul Seleski
