From left are Matthew Frederick White, Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Academy recruit, and Verna Feather.

The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Academy recently awarded recruit Matthew White with the Dan Feather Memorial Award.

Verna Feather created the scholarship to honor her husband, the late Dan Feather, who was an 18-year veteran of the Jamestown Police Department. Each year a Chautauqua County resident attending the Sheriff’s Academy who is noted for their professionalism and character receives the award, which was $1,400 this year.

White is the 27th recipient and attends the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Academy at Jamestown Community College. White is a 2021 graduate of Clymer Central School and 2023 graduate of Jamestown Community College earning an associate’s degree in criminal justice-policing with high honors.

White was accepted into the Sheriff’s Academy in June 2024.

Mrs. Feather wishes the award to be a lasting memorial to Dan Feather, and help those beginning to pursue a career in police work. The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation administers the scholarship.

Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua county residents interested in attending the Sheriff’s Academy can apply at sunyjcc.edu/Sheriffs Academy. Prescreen applications are accepted Jan. 1 through April 15.