Heart of a Lion Scholarship raises money for fallen APD officers

After a friendly fitness competition back in February, CrossFit Iron Boot members presented a check for a scholarship at LSUA. But, it wasn't just any scholarship. Each dollar raised went into the Ezernack/Carruth Criminal Justice Scholarship Fund.

It's named in honor of David Ezernack and Jay Carruth, the two officers killed in an ambush in 2003.

Hixson Autoplex and Antoon Enterprises helped Iron Boot host the fundraiser, formally known as 'Guns and Hoses'.

Together they raised more than $2,000 and hope to top that next year.

"Now it is 'Heart of a Lion' which represents the spirit of David and Jay in the way we lost them and the way they lived their lives as first responders," said gym member Jeff Prejean.

Two students benefit from the scholarship each year.

"We so appreciate the corporate sponsors and the individuals that helped put this together," said LSUA Foundation Executive Director Melinda Anderson. "We are just in the background helping support and raise that money for these students."