EPHRATA - The Columbia Basin Foundation has announced the creation of a scholarship fund in memory of a Grant County Sheriff's deputy who died in the line of duty in January 2010.

The John Bernard Memorial Scholarship was created by Bernard's widow Tamara and will be available for the 2013-14 academic year. It will be administered by the foundation, said executive director Donn Cook.

Bernard died Jan. 3, 2010 when his patrol car crashed about 12 miles south of Ephrata. Bernard was the first officer to die in the line of duty in the department's century-long history.

The scholarship will be available to one senior graduating from any Grant County high school. Applicants must be pursuing a career in criminal justice or a field related to law enforcement. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 grade point average and show a history of work experience or volunteering.

"Any individual, nonprofit (organization) or business can make a tax deductible donation to this or any scholarship fund," Cook wrote. "Increasing the balance of a fund increases the amount available for distribution to students as scholarships."

People who want to donate or want more information can contact Cook at 509-754-4596 or [email protected].