Donald “Charley” Knepple Scholarship
The Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana provides a scholarship in memory of Donald “Charley” Knepple. Charley lost his life on April 28, 1997, while performing his probation officer duties in Allen County, Indiana. In an effort to honor an outstanding professional and to promote further professionalism, POPAI selected a scholarship that would encourage continued education and advanced degrees for probation in Indiana.
Applicants must have a minimum of 2 years full-time employment as a Probation Officer in the State of Indiana (please provide written verification from your Chief Probation Officer) and must be a current POPAI member in good standing. (Contact Karen at ContactUsatPOPAI@gmail.com if you are not sure if you’ve paid your membership for 2021) The application will ask you to describe how your degree will assist you with your career as a Probation Officer.
The qualified candidate chosen for the Scholarship Award will be awarded $2,500.00 to help pay for their costs in continuing his or her education pursuing a Masters / Doctorate Degree.
2020 Knepple Scholarship Winner Patrick Hillenburg
Patrick Hillenburg, Green County PO and Charley Knepple Scholarship Award Winner
Patrick has been a probation officer and a member of POPAI for ten years. Patrick is pursuing a Master of Science in Criminal Justice at Bowling Green State University and is maintaining a 4.0 GPA.
Judge Erik “Chip” Allen of the Greene County Circuit Court stated “Throughout his employment with the Greene County Probation Department Patrick has displayed the integrity, discipline, and good character that is demanded of probation officers. I have observed that Patrick is personable, diligent in his duties, uses common sense, is timely, and has solid work ethic.” more
Knepple Scholarship Recipients