Security: New York/New Jersey
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New York/New Jersey: Port Authority Police Department Adds 80 New Officers
The Police Department of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PAPD) added 80 officers to its ranks with the graduation on December 9 of the department’s 114th Police Academy class. This year’s graduating class is among the PAPD’s most ethnically diverse, and features a third-generation PAPD officer and a former Major League baseball pitcher.
The cadets joining the department completed a rigorous, 26-week training program, culminating in the two-hour graduation ceremony in Elizabeth (NJ).
Port Authority Chief Security Officer Thomas Belfiore congratulated the new officers, praised their accomplishment during the six-month academy training session, and said he expected important contributions from them in the years ahead.
"This diverse group of recruits has demonstrated exceptional diligence and professionalism during their rigorous training," Mr. Belfiore said. "They have the tools to protect the many millions of customers who use and pass through our transportation facilities every day."
Thirty percent of this year’s class consists of officers who are African-American, Hispanic or of Asian descent. Nine had served previously in the military.
Anthony Varvaro, who pitched for five years at the Major League level before retiring after a season-ending knee injury last year, was among the graduates, as was Nicholas Farfalla, whose father and grandfather both served as PAPD officers.
PAPD officers are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the agency's land, sea, air and rail facilities, which include three major airports, four bi-state bridges and two tunnels, the Port Authority Bus Terminal, the PATH rail system, the regional ports in New York and New Jersey and the 16-acre World Trade Center site.
The Police Department of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PAPD) added 80 officers to its ranks with the graduation on December 9 of the department’s 114th Police Academy class. This year’s graduating class is among the PAPD’s most ethnically diverse, and features a third-generation PAPD officer and a former Major League baseball pitcher.
The cadets joining the department completed a rigorous, 26-week training program, culminating in the two-hour graduation ceremony in Elizabeth (NJ).
Port Authority Chief Security Officer Thomas Belfiore congratulated the new officers, praised their accomplishment during the six-month academy training session, and said he expected important contributions from them in the years ahead.
"This diverse group of recruits has demonstrated exceptional diligence and professionalism during their rigorous training," Mr. Belfiore said. "They have the tools to protect the many millions of customers who use and pass through our transportation facilities every day."
Thirty percent of this year’s class consists of officers who are African-American, Hispanic or of Asian descent. Nine had served previously in the military.
Anthony Varvaro, who pitched for five years at the Major League level before retiring after a season-ending knee injury last year, was among the graduates, as was Nicholas Farfalla, whose father and grandfather both served as PAPD officers.
PAPD officers are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the agency's land, sea, air and rail facilities, which include three major airports, four bi-state bridges and two tunnels, the Port Authority Bus Terminal, the PATH rail system, the regional ports in New York and New Jersey and the 16-acre World Trade Center site.
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