SJRCC PRESS RELEASE February 2008 Golf classic raises $25,000 in honor of Deputy Josh Blyler The St. Johns River Community College Foundation and the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office recently held a golf classic to honor the memory of Deputy Josh Blyler. More than $25,000 was raised for the Josh Blyler Memorial Scholarship Fund to benefit the College's criminal justice training program. Blyler was a 2003 graduate of SJRCC's criminal justice program. This was the first year the event was held to raise money for the scholarship initially generated by Josh's parents, Jean and Johnny Blyler. Blyler, a Northeast Florida native, was on duty when he was killed in an automobile accident in 2004. SJRCC Foundation Director Meghan Deputy said, "The event helped raise the crucial funds needed to enhance scholarships and to carry out Josh's wish to serve the residents of St. Johns County." More than 130 players participated in the event held at the Palencia Club in St. Johns County. The event was sponsored by the Dell family, The PARC Group Inc., Prosperity Bank and Palisade Capital Management, with lunch provided by Outback Steakhouse of St. Augustine. St. Johns County Sheriff's Office Chief of Staff Joel Bolante said he was amazed by the community's response to the event. "It was an incredible event that required a lot of hard work from the SJRCC Foundation and the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office in putting it all together," he said. "This was the first golf tournament that I've been involved in where the spots to play filled up in less than seven days. The Blylers were overwhelmed by everyone's generosity in making the event successful." Top honors went to the team sponsored by Keefe Commissary, consisting of Mike Connolly, Mike Harvick and Brian White. The second place team, sponsored by the Law Office of Malcolm Anthony, included Lyle Gardner, Eric Blanks, Malcolm Anthony and Bob Boneberger. The third place team included Andy Goethe, Gordon Spottswood, Jeremy Easterly and Adam Hires and was sponsored by the Jacksonville Fraternal Order of Police. Brian White, Bob O'Steen, Bob Boneberger and Dan Mowry won closest to the pin; Joel Bolante won longest putt, and Jeremy Easterly won longest drive. The scholarship covers tuition and fees for the Law Enforcement Officer - Basic Recruit program for qualified applicants. The curriculum is prescribed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission in accordance with Florida Statutes. Upon completion of the program, candidates will be eligible to take the state exam for law enforcement officer. Classes for the 2008 year begin August 5, 2008 for evening classes and August 11, 2008 for day classes. For more information regarding the scholarship, contact the SJRCC Foundation office at (386) 312-4100 or visit the Web site at www.sjrcc.edu/foundation. PHOTO CAPTION: First place in the inaugural Josh Blyler Memorial Golf Classic went to Mike Connolly, Mike Harvick and Brian White, sponsored by Keefe Commissary. Johnny Blyler, pictured with St. Johns County Sheriff's Office Chief of Staff Joel Bolante, thanked everyone for their support of the golf classic to honor his son, a St. Johns County deputy killed in a 2004 automobile accident while responding to a 911 call. Return to SJRCC home page.