Honor Local Heroes for Their Service
At Penn East Federal Credit Union, we believe in recognizing individuals who serve our communities with courage, compassion, and dedication. The Milinda Project First Responder Award does just that by giving one exemplary first responder the recognition they deserve and celebrating their impact.
Why This Award Exists
The Milinda Project was launched in April 2024 in memory of our dear colleague, Milinda Catalano, who passed away unexpectedly in February 2024. Milinda was known for her warmth, her devotion to service, and her favorite phrase, I APPRECIATE YOU.
The project honors two of Milinda’s greatest passions: supporting no kill animal shelters and recognizing first responders. Her late husband, Gus Catalano, served as a first responder himself, making this award a meaningful tribute to both Milinda and Gus.
2024 Winner – Jesse Young
Last year, we received nominations across Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming Counties. After narrowing to ten finalists and a senior staff vote, the first ever award was presented to Jesse Young, a paramedic serving Lackawanna County with twenty one years as a first responder and proud father of two young boys.
Read more here
Award Details
- Award amount: $2,500 given to one outstanding first responder.
- Eligible areas: Must serve in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, or Wyoming County, Pennsylvania.
- Nomination period: December 1 through December 20, 2025.
- How to nominate: Complete an online nomination form which goes live on December 1.
- Limit: One nomination per individual, capped at the first one hundred entries each year.
- Eligibility: Nominees may not be related to a Penn East FCU employee. Immediate family includes spouse or partner, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, and in laws.
What We Are Looking For
A nominee must be an active first responder. Eligible roles include firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, police officers, sheriff’s deputies, state troopers, and 911 dispatchers. Nominees must currently serve in one of these roles within Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, or Wyoming Counties.
