Police Academy Alumni
Lackawanna College’s Police Academy Celebrated 30th Anniversary

On Friday, August 9, 2008 Lackawanna celebrated the 30th Anniversary of the Police Academy at Lackawanna College. To mark the occasion, the College hosted a 30th Anniversary and All-Class Reunion celebration. "Individuals who have gone through our programs can be found in federal, state and local law enforcement, in attorney general's and prosecutor's offices, and in security operations," said Eugene Baidas, Director of Lackawanna College’s Police Academy. "We are extremely proud of the achievements of our graduates and the impact that the Academy has had on the community. The reunion will provide an opportunity for our alumni to connect with classmates and colleagues.

Several members of the law enforcement community were present at the event, during which awards were presented to Distinguished Police Academy Alumni Chief Ivy Brenzel, Moscow Borough, Chief Robert Gerrity, South Abington Township, Joseph Peters, Esq., and Pat Laguzzi of Forest City. Lackawanna County Judge Robert Mazzoni, who served as an instructor and advisor in the academy’s early years was also be honored.

Mr. Baidas has directed the Academy since 2006; however, he has been associated in its various programs since its beginning. A retired Pennsylvania State Police Trooper with over 30 years of service, he was one of the individuals who helped Lackawanna College design the curriculum for the police program established in 1978 in Scranton.

Since the first class of Police Academy Act 120 cadets graduated in 1978, Lackawanna College Police Academy has graduated over 3,000 people from the Act 120 Program. Classes were first conducted in Hazleton the following year. Today, the academy offers both full- and part-time programs. Lackawanna College was the first private college in the state to offer Act 120 training and is still the only private college in Northeastern Pennsylvania authorized to provide such training. The Academy also provides regional constable training and a variety of courses which active police officers are required to take in order to maintain certification.

For more information about the next All Class Reunion, to update your contact information in our alumni database, or to make a donation to the Alumni Scholarship, please contact Ashley Fetterman in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, 570.961.7895, or via e mail, fettermana@lackawanna.edu

Photos from the 2008 30th Anniversary of the Police Academy

Distinguished Police Academy, Act 120 Alumni award recipients from left, Joseph Peters, Esq., Chief Robert Gerrity, Pat Laguzzi, Chief Ivy Malcom Brenzel; Gene Baidas and Judge Robert Mazzoni received Distinguished Service Awards for their dedication as instructors and advisors to the first Act 120 program.

Members of the first class from left, Chief Robert Gerrity, Bill Paulin, Pat Laguzzi, and Director of the Police Academy at Lackawanna College, Gene Baidas.

The cadets of Class of 173, Act 120 program.

Police Academy Scholarship

A Police Academy Alumni Scholarship fund was established in conjunction with the 30th Anniversary of the Academy. Once this scholarship fund is fully established it will be used to assist a deserving cadet with tuition and uniform expenses.

Donate to the Police Academy Scholarship!

Aaron Bertholf, President of Class 173 presents the first Police Academy Scholarship Fund donation to President Ray Angeli on behalf of his fellow classmates.