The family of Earl Dyer Jr. and the Glorious Church of God in Christ, South Richmond, pastored by Bishop Morris E. Mahoney, are proud to announce the establishment of the Battalion Chief Earl Dyer Jr. Memorial Scholarship.

Battalion Chief Dyer was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He was a dedicated advocate of community service and used his 40-year career as a firefighter to engage the public on fire safety and to educate on fire prevention. He passed away in October 2023.

Dyer’s dedication to service extends far past the Richmond community. In 1977, after graduating from Armstrong High School, he became a member of the U.S. Army. There, he served three tours — Operation Desert Storm in 1991; Operation Noble Eagle in 2003 and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007. Dyer retired from active duty in the American armed forces in 1983 and became a member of the Army Reserves. He retired from the Reserves with the rank of first sergeant after returning from his final tour in 2009.

This scholarship seeks to honor his spirit. He believed that volunteerism and acts of charity were important to strengthen community and create positive change. He believed that young people have enormous potential to initiate change and play an important role in making their communities better through volunteering. Through education and volunteerism, he believed students could help build a more generous and caring society.

The scholarship will support Richmond-area students who are current undergraduates and/or high school seniors entering their first year in college.