Tyler Ferreby receives Coast Guard Foundation Fallen Heroes Scholarship

Tyler Ferreby receives Coast Guard Foundation Fallen Heroes Scholarship © Rus Graham

The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the education and wellness of all Coast Guard members and their families, announced today that Tyler Ferreby has been awarded a full scholarship in honor of his father - the Fallen Heroes Scholarship. Tyler was just seven months old when his father, Seaman Christopher Ferreby, died from injuries incurred while on a maritime law enforcement patrol on Lake Ontario, near the mouth of the Niagara River in New York State.

Ferreby and three other Coast Guard crew members were aboard a 22-foot patrol boat in the cold winter that March 2001, when a rogue wave topped the boat and all four were forced into the water. After they failed to check-in, Coast Guard from nearby Station Niagara launched a search and located the crew in the water, wearing dry suits and life jackets. Two of the crew members were treated for hypothermia. Tragically, Seaman Ferreby and BM2 Scott Chism succumbed to their injuries.

Chris' widow and Tyler's mother, Amy Ferreby remembers their time at Station Niagara well. In addition to his Coast Guard duties, Chris worked as the "Mr. Fix It" at their apartment complex, helping other residents with home repair and general maintenance. They enjoyed being on the water in their free time as well as other outdoor activities. They frequently gathered with other Coast Guard members and families, and they enjoyed the camaraderie and community that came with being assigned at a small duty station.

"Chris loved serving in the Coast Guard and was very proud of serving on a couple of rescue missions," she said.

Tyler graduated from high school in 2019, and now, as a freshman at Wake Technical Community College, he is enrolled in a mechanical engineering degree program.

"The older he gets, the more I see Chris in his face and mannerisms," shared Amy. "Like his dad, Tyler can do anything with his hands."

The Coast Guard Foundation Fallen Hero Scholarship program is making Tyler's dream of a college degree a reality by covering all of his college expenses, including tuition, room and board, fees and books.

"It's truly our honor to support Tyler's education," said Susan Ludwig, Coast Guard Foundation president. "We honor his father's service and sacrifice by providing this important support to ensure that Tyler can complete his education worry-free."

Amy reflected on what the scholarship means to her and their son, "It feels like even after all this time, he's still taking care of us. Tyler didn't have the opportunity to know his dad, but this scholarship is a reminder that he's still here with us."

The Coast Guard Foundation Fallen Heroes Scholarship Fund was established in 2005 following the death of Coast Guard member BM2 Nathan Bruckenthal. Through the fund, the Coast Guard Foundation provides a 100% scholarship for the children of Coast Guard fallen heroes.

For more information on the Coast Guard Foundation or its scholarship programs, please visit www.coastguardfoundation.org or call (860) 535-0786.