Columbia Southern University (CSU) and the Alabama State Fraternal Order of Police have awarded a scholarship to Sgt. Phillip Myers of the Alabama Alcohol Beverage Control Board, according to the university.

Myers, who lives in Thomasville, Ala., received the online scholarship with CSU based on his essay entry in the Next Step Law Enforcement Scholarship Program. The CSU/FOP scholarship, which is under the program, covers tuition for up to 24 months for one specific degree program with CSU, an online university.

"I am totally flattered that I was chosen," said Sgt. Myers in a statement. "When I applied, I never thought I had a chance of winning." 

Sgt. Myers has been a member of the ABC Board since 2004.

"I have always wanted to complete my bachelor's degree, but never seemed to have the time or financial resources to do so," said Myers, who completed his associate degree in 1996 just before joining the Thomasville (Ala.) Police Department.

Of his present job with the ABC Board, Myers said, "I enjoy the travel and interaction with other law enforcement across the state. I also enjoy making a difference in the communities I serve. On top of that, I have the best law enforcement job in the state."

For 16 years, Myers has been a member of the FOP, which is the world's largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers with more than 325,000 members in more than 2,100 lodges. He is a member of the FOP Alabama Lodge #42.

Myers plans to use his CSU/FOP scholarship toward an online bachelor's degree in criminal justice administration with CSU. The online university offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs in various fields including fire science, occupational safety and health, and business administration.