(KNZA)--The first recipients of the Brown County Sheriff's Office Memorial Scholarship, which is dedicated to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, have been announced.

Sheriff John Merchant says Hiawatha High School senior, Rachelle Houk, was awarded a $1,000 scholarship May 18th at the Hiawatha  high school gymnasium.

Additionally, a $500 scholarship was awarded to Hiawatha High School senior Raven Zimmers.  

Merchant says the scholarship was made possible by the family of Eldamae Widman, former Brown County Clerk and grandmother of fallen Deputy, Todd Widman.  

Deputy Widman lost his life serving the residents of Brown County on March 1st, 2000.    

Merchant says Eldamae Widman died last December, and the sheriff’s office was asked to use memorials given to the family for their scholarship program.

Merchant and Public Safety Resource Deputy J.D. Clary presented the  scholarships  along with a certificate and a Sheriff's challenge coin to each of  the students.   The coin was designed to honor Deputy Widman.