Sergeant Dan Starnes Memorial Scholarship Fund – 1064

Fund Type: Passthrough Scholarship Fund

Fund Description:

The Dan Starnes Memorial Scholarship Fund is a non-permanent fund which will provide scholarships to Morgan County students wishing to study law enforcement

Purpose: For a student pursuing a 2-4 year degree in law enforcement, criminal justice, public safety, or a closely related field. Applicants must have a 2.0 minimum GPA, demonstrate academic promise, and have demonstrated financial need. Preference is given to students with work experience, good character, community involvement, and a healthy lifestyle. Additional short essay is required about Sgt. Starnes.

History: On Dec. 19, 1975, he married Janice (Lewis) Starnes and the couple later had two sons, Dustin and Ryan, who now serves (who both served) as Indiana State Troopers.

Sgt. Starnes worked as a member of the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department from 1995 to 2001. He was the Warrant Officer for the sheriff’s department serving in the capacity of Deputy Sergeant. He was honored to serve Morgan County in many capacities, even outside of his job, including security for Martinsville High School, Bradford Woods, Paragon Speedway and a private investigation firm. He also worked with the D.A.R.E. Program. Sgt. Starnes was the Head Advisor for the Morgan County Cadet Explorer Program, working with the youth of Morgan County focusing on law enforcement careers. He was a volunteer fireman for Gregg Township for 20 years having held positions of President and Lieutenant and was active with the Fire Department at the time of his death. Sgt. Starnes also served as Crime Watch Captain for his neighborhood Crime watch. He was a member of the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association. He was also active at Mt. Olive United Methodist Church and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and four-wheel riding with his sons. He was a great family man- his wife of 25 and a half years, Janice, and his sons Dustin & Ryan were the most important part of his life.

Sgt. Starnes was shot five times while on duty on Flag Day, June 14, 2001, within sight of his home, and died on July 10, 2001, from his injuries and after seven surgeries in attempts to save his life. His son, Ryan, was riding along with him as part of his college internship program and was also shot and slightly injured. His family was determined to make sure that his memory would not be forgotten, so in 2001 they established the Sergeant Dan Starnes Memorial Scholarship at the Community Foundation of Morgan County to provide scholarships for Morgan County residents to study law enforcement or criminal justice.

Interested individuals may donate to this fund online, or by contacting the Community Foundation of Morgan County and noting that the gift should be placed in the Sergeant Dan Starnes Memorial Scholarship fund.