Scranton PD swears in 6 new officers

The Scranton Police Department welcomed six new officers into its ranks this morning, swearing in the graduates of what had been the largest pool of applicants since 2003.

With a crowd of family and friends looking on, newly minted Patrolmen Anthony Shields, Patrick Perry, John Munley, Brennan McDermott, Nicholas Hurchick and Robert Hegedus raised their right hands and pledged their service to the city.

Training officer Sgt. Steve Marino beamed as his class of recruits posed for photos and embraced parents. He praised their enthusiasm to get started, shoes still shined and uniforms freshly pressed.

“It doesn’t get any better than that,” Sgt. Marino said.

The next round of recruits promises to be a much narrower field of candidates.

Last winter, when the city waived a pre-requirement for Act 120 police training, 122 hopefuls applied — the most since 181 signed up in the first year of Mayor Chris Doherty’s administration.

But for a written exam Saturday, the applicants total 21.

Police Chief David Elliott said the flux is normal. He said there are fewer openings — one current and two anticipated — and when the Act 120 requirement is in place there are usually fewer candidates.

But Sgt. Bob Martin, president of the police union, believes there are other factors at play. He said ongoing labor discord with the city is hampering Scranton’s ability to attract quality police.

“There are part-time police officers up and down this valley who are not taking the test, so what does that tell you?” Sgt. Martin said.

As for the newest officers, they will now go through a few weeks of field training.

“I feel like I’ve been in the classroom forever,” said Patrolman Perry of Minooka. “I just want to get on the road.”

Patrolman Hurchick, a Green Ridge native, said the long road was worth it between the first test and today’s induction.

“Today is just a culmination of all that, something I always wanted to do in my life is finally realized,” he said.

Link/pic