Taking the oath in Lackawanna County to protect and serve

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Police departments across the country are facing hiring shortages, some have even loosened policies to help fill the ranks.

But those who took the oath at a graduation ceremony Tuesday say they’re ready to protect and serve.

28/22 News Reporter Emily Allegrucci had a look into Hazleton class 261 of Lackawanna College Police Academy ‘s future tonight, and the future looks bright.

This is the largest class out of Hazleton that the program has seen in over a decade, and they are eager to get to work.

This group of 29 cadets is not only marching into their own future but ours as well.

Formally accepting their new responsibility to protect and serve.

“Your chosen career path is essential to maintaining our society,” said Jenny Roberts Assistant US Attorney with the United States Attorney’s Office.

Hazelton class 261 of Lackawanna College Police Academy graduated from the program Tuesday evening after several months of learning what it takes to succeed in this sometimes dangerous profession.

“It’s been a very long program. It’s very rigorous physically, psychologically, emotionally, and it’s a long time and we’re excited that they’re graduating and getting out there and getting the job done,” said Lackawanna College Police Academy Director of Academy Operations Kevin Mahoney.

However, the training to begin a career in law enforcement is just the beginning of a journey that looks different every day.

“You may save someone’s life. You may take someone’s life. Or your life may be taken,” Roberts explained.

Something that never scared away Class Lieutenant Stephen Brynok, who’s known he wanted to be a police officer since high school.

“While I was in college I joined the military. That was my first step in being able to serve my country and my community. I knew even more so then that I needed to go and be a police officer and better serve my community,” said Brynok.

He believes a job based around the pillars of honor, integrity, and courage is much more than work.

“Every single thing that you do, you might have the hardest day, but it’s going to be the most rewarding career that you’d ever step foot into,” Brynok stated.

These graduates will help fill a shortage of officers seen across the nation and in NEPA.

Those who run the police academy believe many are rethinking what it takes to become an officer.

“This is the largest Hazleton class in over a decade and I think it shows a tide is turning from a few years ago; that people want to serve their communities. Trust is back in the police profession,” said Mahoney.

All of the cadets who have a job lined up will be serving in NEPA or the Bethlehem and State College’s areas.

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