Lackawanna College Police Academy Scranton Class Graduates

Their hard work, dedication and commitment paid off.

“We are proud to have trained generations of law enforcement since the inception of our program,” said Lackawanna College President Dr. Jill Murray. “Our graduates get their training at Lackawanna College, find jobs in their hometowns or stay regionally and are well prepared to serve their local communities. These fine men and women are an example of how Lackawanna College is continuing its tradition of preparing quality graduates for careers in law enforcement.”

Twenty-seven cadets recently graduated as part of Lackawanna College’s Police Academy Scranton Class 257, becoming the newest members of law enforcement.

All graduates have either obtained or have been offered full-time employment.

“Lackawanna College’s Police Academy helps fill the need for quality municipal law enforcement officers in our area,” said Kevin Mahoney, Director of Academy Operations. “There is currently a shortage of police officers not only statewide but nationwide. Lackawanna College’s Police Academy is known for its rigorous training program and those who graduate are among the finest in law enforcement.”

To be eligible to join the Academy, cadets must undergo an interview with Academy staff, a psychological test, a pre-entrance physical test and other testing requirements. Once accepted, cadets then begin their classroom training.

“We have nearly 1,000 hours of training that includes academic training, physical training, firearms training and scenario training. It takes a special individual to complete this course,” Mahoney told the graduates and their families at the graduation ceremony in Scranton. “We have such a unique and diverse cadre of instructors. We have active and retired law enforcement from federal, state, county and local agencies. They all bring a level of expertise and experience that really makes our program second to none.”

Mahoney thanked the family and friends of the cadets for their support as their loved ones went through the program.

Dominick DeNaples, former member of the Lackawanna College Board of Trustees, performed the cadet inspection at graduation. During his post inspection address, he told the cadets they are an elite group of men and women who will now be role models.

“Class, the certification you get today does not come alone,” DeNaples said. “It takes a certain additional responsibility on your part. All of the sudden you are going to be somewhat of a role model. You’re going to be looked up to by your friends, your neighbors, your family and more importantly the youth and the children you come in contact with.”

Besides DeNaples, other dignitaries participated in the ceremony. They included Deacon Donald Crane, deputy chief, Wilkes-Barre Police Department 9retiured), who performed the invocation; Lt. Seth Kelly, Pennsylvania State Police, Troop M, Bethlehem, IACP Trooper of the Year 2017; and Dick McLane, who played the bagpipes.

Class 257 also selected Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Branden T. Sisca as their Fallen Officer Tribute. A drunk driver struck and killed Sisca and Trooper Martin Mack at 1 a.m. on March 21, 2022 on southbound Interstate 95 in Philadelphia.

Sisca had served with the Pennsylvania State Police for 13 months and was assigned to Troop K. He is survived by his wife, Brittany, and daughter, Brynn Tyler Sisca.

The following are the graduates of Class of 257:

• Celia Bond, Lords Valley
• Shawna Bower, Edwardsville
• James Brown, Moosic
• Matthew Brunetti, Clarks Summit
• Benjamin Busko, Selinsgrove
• James Coslett, Kingston
• Robert Farris, E. Stroudsburg
• Preston Gehring, Schuylkill Haven
• Patrick Gill, Bloomsburg
• Matthew Grippo, Scranton
• Isaiah Guerrero, Riverton, NJ
• Peter Gutowski, Jr., Roaring Brook Twp.
• Jakob Kerby, Pottsville
• Benjamin Kreuzer, Mountain Top
• Kade McNally, Easton
• David Nicholetta, East Stroudsburg
• Brian David Nolan II, Archbald
• Scott Roper, Mountain Top
• Justin Royce, Moosic
• Stacie Sala, Pen Argyl
• Morgan Schaszberger, Monroe Twp
• Lucas Schultz, Clarks Summit
• Jared Simon, Nicholson
• Christopher Taylor, Waymart
• Mia Vieira, Scranton
• Jacob Williams, Exeter
• Brandon Winn, Duryea