Two Washington state members of the International Union of Police Associations (I.U.P.A.), including the daughter of one member, have received 2026 Union Plus Scholarships.

Emma June Fontenot, daughter of David Fontenot, a member of Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs Law Enforcement Associates, I.U.P.A. Local 27, received a $1,000 scholarship. Steve Johnson, also a member of I.U.P.A. Local 27, received a $1,500 scholarship.

Fontenot is an art education major at Western Washington University with a minor in museum studies. She expects to graduate in May 2028 with a preschool-through-12th-grade teaching certification.

She plans to teach before pursuing work in a museum, where she hopes to develop educational programs and materials that expand access to art education.

Fontenot previously served as president of the Washington State 4-H Teen Equity and Inclusion Task Force. Anna Zagelow, the task force's adult facilitator, described Fontenot as a leader who combined public speaking and presentation skills with compassion and empathy.

David Fontenot has been an I.U.P.A. member since 1994 and has served as first vice president of the Snohomish County Deputy Sheriff's Association for six years. Fontenot's mother is a member of Service Employees International Union Local 1948, Public School Employees of Washington.

Fontenot said her family's union membership influenced her understanding of collective bargaining and workplace benefits.

“I understood how incredibly valuable unions are from a young age,” Emma said. “Having input in contract and policy negotiations has allowed us as a family to enjoy security in both my parents’ benefits and wages. I am excited to be a part of a union that will fight for my rights.”

Johnson, a King County Sheriff's Office deputy, received the Union Plus Scholarship for the second consecutive year. He has been a law enforcement officer since 1999 and is enrolled in Highline Community College's substance use disorder professional Associate of Arts online program. He expects to graduate in March 2028.

Johnson plans to retire from law enforcement in the coming years and transition to work with the First Responder Intensive Outpatient Program at New Life Recovery Solutions in Bellevue, Washington.

His planned career transition focuses on supporting first responders dealing with behavioral health and recovery challenges.

“I am a staunch advocate for first responders who are looking to battle their demons and work toward a life of wellness,” Johnson said. “Life is good now, and I am healthy again. I have become a champion for those in the first responder community who can’t advocate for themselves. I look forward to working full time as a drug and alcohol counselor when I retire from law enforcement in a few years.”

Johnson has also served as a call taker with Code 4 NW, a volunteer nonprofit providing behavioral health resources to first responders and their families in Washington state.

Nick Bauer, Code 4 NW's operations director and a retired Seattle Police sergeant, said Johnson has become an advanced needs adviser, trainer and follow-up companion for the organization.

The scholarships highlight professional and educational development among law enforcement personnel and their families. Johnson's planned transition also reflects the role experienced officers can play in supporting first responder wellness after their law enforcement careers.

The I.U.P.A. said it joined Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs Law Enforcement Associates, I.U.P.A. Local 27, in congratulating Fontenot and Johnson on the scholarships.