TCC recognized as first Purple Heart Capital College in the country
Photo submitted by TCC
Special to the Outlook
Tallahassee Community College District Board of Trustees recognized the college as the first Purple Heart Capital College in the nation. The DBOT issued the proclamation acknowledging this honor during its August meeting.
The College, which includes the highly regarded Richard W. & Karen B. Moore Veterans Success Center, is recognized as one of the top military-friendly colleges in the nation.
TCC appreciates the sacrifices Purple Heart recipients have made to defend the freedom of Americans and believes it is important to acknowledge these individuals for their courage and exhibit the honor and support these Veterans earned.
The Purple Heart is a military medal awarded to service members wounded or killed in combat or as a prisoner of war.
TCC is also ranked among the top 10 community colleges in the nation by the prestigious Aspen Institute.
Willis D. and Frances H. Booth Integrity in Law Enforcement Scholarship
TCC has announced a new scholarship for students entering the law enforcement field through its Florida Public Safety Institute Campus, the Willis D. and Frances H. Booth Integrity in Law Enforcement Scholarship.
This $25,000 scholarship was funded through the support of the family of Chief and Mrs. Willis D. Booth. Both are Florida natives, who provided lifetime support and leadership towards effective policing in the state. The income from this endowment will be used to provide scholarships for full-time students enrolled in the law enforcement program at TCC’s Florida Public Safety Institute.
Willis DeJoinville Booth served in WWII in the Marine Corps in the Pacific theatre and returned from the War to his home to make a life-long career in law enforcement. He progressed through the ranks at the Clearwater Police Department to become Chief of Police from 1957-1968.
After retirement from the City, he moved his family to Tallahassee in 1968 to serve with the newly established Bureau of Law Enforcement (currently FDLE) where he started as Special Agent, director of criminal investigations, and director of mutual aid helping establish police standards.
He retired again in 1984 from the State to take up leadership at the Florida Police Chiefs Association. Willis counts mentoring generations of law enforcement officers as most gratifying. In 2016, Willis was selected as an inductee into the inaugural class of the Law Enforcement Hall of Fame.
Frances H. Booth was involved in every aspect of church fellowship and service by teaching Sunday School, vacation Bible school and planning and preparing for social outreach activities for the congregation. Music was a great joy to her, and she insured that all her children were involved in some form of musical training. Frances and Willis were married for 71 years.
