The Matthew Pavelka Scholarship Program was established after Burbank Police Officer Matthew Pavelka tragically lost his life to gun violence on November 15, 2003. He was responding to a request for backup from fellow Officer Greg Campbell, who was also gravely wounded. The entire community was devastated.
Within 24 hours of the incident, our community responded with an abundance of generosity. The kindness and support from businesses and residents of Burbank, as well as our surrounding communities, was overwhelming.
Officer Pavelka’s parents, Mike and Sue Pavelka, graciously requested that all donations be used for the development of future leaders, in honor of their son, whose big dreams were extinguished too soon, too suddenly, and too violently.
The Matthew Pavelka Scholarships are awarded to high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding effort in pursuit of a vocational or education goal, students who have exemplified self-discipline and have distinguished themselves amongst their peers as deserving of high honors. Through these future leaders, Matthew Pavelka’s legacy lives on.
We are proud to announce the 2025 recipients of the Matthew Pavelka Scholarship. After reviewing an outstanding pool of applicants, our selection committee chose seven exceptional students who exemplify the values Officer Pavelka stood for—ethical leadership, academic excellence, and a strong commitment to their future aspirations. Each recipient has been awarded a scholarship of up to $4,000 in recognition of their achievements and potential.
2025 MATTHEW PAVELKA SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Sophia M. Adams – John Burroughs High School
Diya T. Patel – Burbank High School
Sofia C. Estrada – Providence High School
Dylan A. Salcedo Torres – Monterey High School
Alyssa G. Embleton – Burbank Police Officers’ Association
Patrick Luciano Puglisi – Burbank Police Officers’ Association
Connor Charles Stohl – Burbank Police Officers’ Association
On November 15, 2023, the Burbank Police Foundation marked the 20th anniversary of Officer Matthew Pavelka’s tragic passing with over 250 in attendance. Distinguished public figures, dignitaries, and community members gathered including former Police Chief Tom Hoeffel, former Fire Chief Mike Davis, as well as esteemed representatives of St. Joseph ER team, Dr. Selena Barbara Simic and her husband Peter Simic. These were the leaders of the respective departments the day of the shooting. As a stunning remembrance of that day, we were honored to have Officer Campbell who was at the scene with Matthew on the day of the tragic event.
Officer Pavelka’s parents, Mike & Sue Pavelka, as well as recipient of the Matthew Pavelka Scholarship, Alia Embleton unveiled the commemorative plaque. Ms. Embleton is the daughter of our Air Support Pilot, Sergeant Jason Embleton who performed the Air Support salute at the event.
LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger led the attendees in the flag salute. The Burbank Police Honor Guard raised the flag for the first time at the dedicated flagpole in Officer Pavelka’s memory serenaded by the Los Angeles Police Emerald Society Pipes and Drums playing ‘America the Beautiful’ and ‘Amazing Grace.’ President of the Burbank Police Foundation, Mr. Michael Hastings delivered a moving speech as he described the day of Officer Pavelka’s passing as ‘one of the most emotional day’s of his life.’
The event concluded with a reverential procession with the Burbank Police ‘Baker to Vegas’ running team under police escort, back to Burbank Police headquarters—a poignant homage to Matthew.
Thank you to everyone who attended this solemn remembrance of an outstanding officer, beloved son, and compatriot. A special thank you to our generous donors for the commemorative plaque and dedicated flagpole.
We will always remember Matthew Pavelka and as Michael Hastings stated at the end of his words: “𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐚 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐚 𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐠𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬.”
