About the Scholarship

The Lessard|Nichols Scholarship Fund has been established to provide financial support to qualifying candidates enrolling at the Manitoba Emergency Services College in Brandon, Manitoba. The College offers a full-time program for persons interested in a career in the Emergency Services field.

Scholarships will be awarded to qualifying individuals from monies raised through private donations and sales of the ¡°Unite Our Hearts Today¡± tribute CD.

2011 Scholarship Awards

The next award cycle will be in conjunction with the June, 2011 class at the Brandon Emergency Services College.

Please contact us for information.



Lessard|Nichols Scholarship


Legacy from Tragedy

On Sunday, February 4th, 2007, the City of Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Service lost two veteran Captains in a tragic house fire.  Three others were severely injured when the fire rapidly spread through the house.  The loss of these two husbands, fathers and members of our community cannot be measured.  

In the days that followed and as the news spread across the continent, the nation joined  in mourning for the loss of Captains Harold Lessard and Tom Nichols.

Despite the shock and disbelief, fellow Winnipeg Firefighter Jason Buhr set his personal feelings aside and used the tragedy as his inspiration to compose a song called “Unite Our Hearts Today�lt;/span>. 

Jason’s song was debuted at the funeral for Captain Harold Lessard and those in attendance were overwhelmed with the message and Jason’s talents as a musician.  Jason performed his song at the funeral for Captain Tom Nichols as well as the Memorial Service that was held at the MTS Centre.

The Lessard|Nichols Scholarship Fund was created when Jason generously decided to donate the proceeds from his recording to a cause where the names of Harold Lessard and Tom Nichols could live on in the form of providing financial assistance to others who wish to follow their dream of becoming a firefighter. 

Captain Lessard always believed that education should not be restricted to those who can afford it¡ª it should be available for everyone who has a vision for their chosen career.  The creation of the Scholarship Fund helps to fulfill that mandate and Harold’s philosophy.  The Fund, in conjunction with the Manitoba Emergency Services College, will provide assistance for those who may not otherwise be able to attend the College.

Captain Harold Lessard #955

Captain Harold Lessard
Harold joined the Winnipeg Fire Department in October, 1975.  Captain Lessard was extremely proud to wear the uniform of a firefighter and represent the City of Winnipeg in all aspects of his life.  Becoming a Captain at the busiest station in Winnipeg fulfilled his ultimate goal.  Throughout his career, he worked at many stations, made good friends and earned the respect of his co-workers.  Harold believed in treating everyone with dignity whether they were rich or poor and despite their personal circumstances.  Harold would never hesitate to help anyone who needed assistance.  He was admired by all who knew him.

On February 4th, 2007, the world lost a great Canadian citizen, firefighter, husband and father.

Harold’s son Bryan witnessed his father’s dedication to public service and was inspired to follow in his foot-steps.  Bryan worked at CFB Shilo as a Firefighter and recently completed firefighter training with the Calgary Fire Department.  Harold’s daughter, Christine, will resume her training to obtain her Bachelor of Nursing Degree and plans to dedicate her life to assisting others, just as her father did. 

Harold’s wife of 33 years, Lynn, is supportive of the initiative to create a legacy to Harold’s philosophy and allow potential firefighters to follow their dreams by creating this scholarship fund.  The recipients of the scholarship will possess the same qualities that Harold demonstrated in his life and his career.  It is hoped that they will ultimately become proud members of the fire-fighting profession and important members of the community.

Captain Tom Nichols #888

Captain Tom Nichols
Captain Thomas William Nichols joined the Winnipeg Fire Department on November 25th, 1974.   He was a very proud, passionate firefighter throughout his 32 year career. Tom was dedicated to the job he loved, to the men and women that he led and the citizens that he served.  He never thought of his job as work because it gave him such personal enjoyment. As a Captain he had the respect of everyone that he worked with from the newest recruit to his lieutenant and all levels of chief officers and everyone he touched in his daily life.  He thought of his crew as family and he would do anything he could for them. He instilled confidence in his men with his quiet demeanour. He would never ask them to do anything he would not do himself or had not done in the past.  

At every station Tom worked at during his career he undertook a project to build something, fix something or change something to make it a better workplace for everyone. He was one of the designers and builders when the floor watch area was rebuilt in Station 11, he was also the chief designer and job boss when they put in a new drop ceiling at Station 3. Tom led a crew of volunteers on behalf of the Fire Department to build a kids play house to raise money for Habitat for Humanity.

Tom was a devoted family man to his wife of 34 years Linda and their children Kelly, wife Cara and daughter Kimberly, husband Matthew.  He was not only a father to his children he was their coach, teacher, provider, role model and friend.  The family shared a special bond that was unbreakable and Tom will always be remembered in their hearts.

Captain Tom Nichols would be very proud that this Scholarship Fund will help potential firefighters fulfill their dream of joining the firefighting profession. As well as becoming part of a ‘brotherhood� of men and women dedicated to serving others.

   Supporting Our Vision

United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg (UFFW)

UFFW memorial tribute to members 888 and 955
Thank you to all the members of the UFFW for your support, for assisting with the production of Jason&##39;s CD and for spreading the word about the Lessard|Nichols Scholarship Fund.
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International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)

International Association of Fire Fighters
Thank you to all the members of the IAFF for your support, and for spreading the word about the Lessard|Nichols Scholarship Fund.
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