Bob Quarello Memorial Scholarship
We find it hard to put into words a life so well lived such as that of Bob Quarello. His life is beyond
paraphrase and abbreviation, a life too full to summarize justly. Bob cared deeply about his community and
those around him. Throughout his career, he dedicated himself to serve others especially the young.
Bob began in law enforcement, first as an Explorer in Pekin and then later on founding a new Explorer
post with the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Department. He also helped to found several additional posts as an
advisor throughout his career. At the young age of 18, Bob got his foot in the door when the Pekin Park District
hired him as an officer. His career had begun.
He would go on to be a dispatcher first at the Pekin Fire Department and later with Peoria and
Tazewell County. After several years serving in Peoria, he went on to work on Manito Police Department rising
to the rank of Captain. Meanwhile in Manito, he obtained an EMT license and volunteered to work with the
Forman Ambulance Service. In his younger days he also worked for Mason County Sheriff’s Department, South
Pekin Police Department, and ICC security. During this time he stayed active with the Law Enforcement
Explorer Program, becoming one of the first nationally certified D.A.R.E. instructors, and serving on the board
of the Greater Peoria Area Crime Stoppers.
Bob continued his service in these communities until he was appointed Assistant Chief of Police in
Delavan and later moving on to be appointed to Chief in Marquette Heights. He then went on to work as an
officer in Green Valley and Tremont before returning to Delavan as Assistant Chief and later receiving a
promotion to Chief. In all of these communities, he devoted himself to community programs and helping the
young.
After serving as Chief in Delavan, Bob was hired as a School Resource Officer for the Pleasant Valley
School District. This was a new type of position for Bob, but one he enjoyed immensely where he helped form
an anti-bullying campaign and an influential resource for the school. He was most happy when his work
centered on young people. Bob, never content serving in just one community, also worked for the Minier Police
Department, was Sergeant on the Canton Park District Police Department co-founding K.O.P.S.- a program for
children encouraging community service and positive interaction with police, and served as a Tazewell County
Dispatcher for most of his 40 year career in law enforcement.
Minier is where Bob dedicated himself to the Explorer program with his daughter, Meredith. For all his
efforts with the Explorers, Bob was awarded the National Explorer Advisor of the Year, and also the Explorer
Advisor of the Year for the W.D. Boyce Council BSA. In the Explorers, he was able to advise the young and see
firsthand, Meredith’s growth as a leader while she was the Captain of the Minier Explorer Post 007.
Tragically, his life ended suddenly on June 28, 2010. But the story does not end with his untimely
passing. His story lives on in the Explorers who he mentored and guided. His story continues through the
scholarship recipients, now and hereafter. His story goes on forever in the communities he served; the friends
he cherished deeply; and the family he loved with all his heart especially his wife, Jane, and his greatest joy,
Meredith.
For all who knew him, this is an all too short glimpse into the life of a man who gave so much to so
many.
In Memoriam, Bob Quarello.
Application Form
ELIGIBILITY
The applicant must be accepted into or currently enrolled in a law enforcement or related professional
curriculum, or enrolled in classes in preparation for a career within law enforcement or related field.
The applicant must be a permanent resident of one of the following counties in Illinois where Bob Quarello
served during his law enforcement career: Fulton, Mason, Peoria, or Tazewell.
If the applicant is a current or former explorer within the W.D. Boyce Council, the residency requirement is
expanded to include the counties of the WD. Boyce Council which are Bureau, DeWitt, Ford, Fulton, LaSalle,
Livingston, Logan, Marshall, Mason, McLean, Peoria, Putnam, Tazewell, and Woodford.
Applicants may include current college students or high school graduating seniors.
College or university to be attended need not be an Illinois institution; however, it must be accredited or
recognized as an approved program in the field of study.
Scholarship winners will be awarded a minimum of $500.00, depending on availability of funding.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Completed application includes a
o Completed form
o Typewritten short essay answers, no more than 2 pages total
o Typewritten long essay of no more than 1,000 words (see page 3 for the topic)
o A high school and/or college transcript
o Two (2) letters of reference from an employer, academic supervisor, instructor, or another non-relative
who can attest to your personal character and ability to succeed in chosen career field.
o Verification that you have been accepted into an accredited institution of higher learning
Applications will be made available by January 1 of each year.
Applications are due by April 1 of each year to the Minier Police Department at 110 W. Central/P.O. Box 350
Minier, IL 61759. Scholarship winners will be announced after April 1st.
Top applicants should be prepared to come to a personal interview. The selection committee may or may not
choose to conduct personal interviews after reviewing the written applications.
Questions about the scholarship may be directed to Daryl Weseloh at 309-392-2442 or e-mail at
minierpd@mchsi.com.
Please print in black ink or type. All blanks must be completed. Use “NA” (not applicable) where data
requested is not applicable to you.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Full Name: ________________________________________________________________________
Social Security Number: _________________________________________________________________
Email Address: ________________________________________________________________________
Permanent Address: ________________________________________________________________________
City, State, and Zip: ______________________________________________________________________________
Contact Phone number(s): ________________________________________________________________________
Date of Birth: ___________________________
Do you belong to an explorer program? _______ If so, which post? _______________________ _____
EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION
Which high school did you (will you) graduate from? _____________________________________________
High school GPA: _______ out of _______ College Entrance Exam score: SAT: _________ ACT: _______
Where are you currently studying? _________________________________________________________________
What school will you attend this fall? ______________________________________________________________
What is your academic major or certification program? ____________________________________________
Will you be a full-time or part-time student?_______________________________________________________
What is your ultimate professional goal? ___________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SHORT ESSAY QUESTIONS Please limit responses to a maximum of 2 typewritten pages. Please attach
to this application.
A. What personal traits do you possess that you feel will help you be successful in your chosen career?
B. What extracurricular, community, and volunteer activities have you done?
C. Please describe any involvement that you may have had with the Law Enforcement Explorer Program.
LONG ESSAY QUESTION Please attached typewritten essay of no more than 1,000 words.
This essay should attest to your personal calling to serve society and how that calling can be fulfilled by you
serving in a law enforcement or related public safety career.
SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS AND CONSENT FOR RELEASE OF INFORMATION
As required by the scholarship guidelines, I confirm that I am a permanent resident of __________________________
County. I also understand that if selected as a scholarship winner, I will pursue a course of study to prepare me
for a career in law enforcement or related field.
I hereby certify that all information contained in this application is true and accurate and that the attached
essay is my original work. I also consent to the release of any information that, in the judgment of the
Scholarship Committee, may be of assistance in evaluating my scholarship application, and for no other
purpose.
Signature of applicant: ____________________________________________________________________
Date signed: ______________________________