May 29, 2024 By Paul Paterra 3 min read

Glenn Porter had just graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s police academy and accepted a full-time job with the California Police Department when he was killed in a vehicle crash in Delaware in June 2023.

Since the Charleroi man didn’t get the chance to begin that job, his parents, Eric and Laurie Porter, started the Glenn Edward Porter III Memorial Scholarship Foundation in their son’s name to provide scholarships for people looking to achieve similar goals.

“We decided we wanted to start a foundation to assist with tuition to the police academy and to students from Charleroi Area High School who would fit into Glenn’s ideals of community involvement, athletics and helping other people,” said Eric Porter, the district judge in the Charleroi area.

Glenn Porter, 20, died June 24, 2023, when a sport-utility vehicle crossed the centerline and struck his vehicle head-on. He was en route to a family vacation with his girlfriend, Kylie Quigley, who was seriously injured.

Among the foundation goals for 2024 are:

Awarding a $3,000 scholarship to two candidates upon completion of their Act 120 certification from a local police academy;

Awarding a $500 scholarship for two Charleroi Area High School seniors looking to continue first responder training;

Offering community outreach to assist local families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty;

Assisting local high school sports programs.

The first event established to support the foundation is the GEP3 Golf Outing, scheduled for June 17 at Nemacolin Country Club.

There are already enough golfers to participate in the event, but sponsors are welcome.

“God bless the community, our friends and family and the law enforcement community,” Eric Porter said. “The community in general has been so supportive. We filled the golf outing up in like two weeks. We’re really excited. Anyone who would be willing to donate, that would be wonderful.”

Those who wish to make a contribution or be a sponsor may contact Nicole Polinski at 724-350-1006 or Mickey Jacobs at 724-747-2085. Checks may be made payable to GEP3 Scholarship Foundation at GEP3 Nonprofit, 24 Esther St., Charleroi, Pa. 15022.

Eric Porter said there have been preliminary talks about hosting a winter fundraiser, but nothing is finalized.

Glenn Porter’s quest to become a police officer saw him following in the footsteps of his father, Eric, who was Charleroi Regional police chief before becoming district judge.

“He was so excited to get started on the journey with law enforcement,” Eric Porter said. “He wanted to help people. He was truly just a kind soul. The world was a better place with him in it, for sure.”

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