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MDC celebrates 40 years with scholarship program for first responders in training

MDC, a national distributor of law enforcement equipment and supplies, is celebrating its 40^th anniversary this year. During the company’s national sales conference last year one of the major topics was how to celebrate this milestone and team members noted they wanted to invest more in their local communities, specifically with first responders in training. MDC has allocated the marketing budget for 2020 to supporting Canada’s next generation of first responders by setting up 11 scholarship awards and bursaries at colleges across the country to date.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, MDC president Alec Rossa says, “we recognize the need to do more and have increased support where possible.” Fanshawe College received a donation of 36 MDC duty bags for incoming students in the Advanced Police Studies and Advance Law Enforcement, Investigations and Security programs.

“We are excited to be more engaged in the first response communities across Canada and believe our scholarship program is a great first step toward giving back in a more meaningful way,” said Alec Rossa, president of MDC.

The Atlantic Police Academy (APA) at Holland College received two scholarships as well; one for their graduating class and one for their incoming police cadet candidates. Award winners will also receive a night stick emergency flashlight.

“Our students are beginning a new chapter in their lives,” said Forrest Spencer, APA’s executive director. “They have made the conscious decision to serve their neighbours, their communities and their fellow Canadians. MDC is recognizing their efforts. This gift is especially helpful during these difficult times.”

Students who study in police foundations programs don’t always continue on to become police officers; some might move into other positions in the public safety sphere.

As MDC looks toward 2021 and the future of the law enforcement industry, Rossa said he projects 2021 to be “a year to diversify product offerings, to reflect and evolve to follow the shifts in the market.”