The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) Police Department (PAPD) welcomed 129 new police officers to its ranks following the graduation of the 120th Police Academy class, reflecting PANYNJ’s commitment to the highest level of safety and security for the traveling public and marking the first academy class to graduate since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As part of their 26 weeks of training in one of the most rigorous police academies in the country, the recruits studied New York and New Jersey laws, received comprehension instruction in police procedures, firearms usage, first aid and counterterrorism techniques.
More than half, or 57 percent of the new officers, self-identify as Hispanic, African American or Asian American as the agency continues to advance its commitment to a diverse police force, reflecting the populations of the New York and New Jersey communities that host the agency’s facilities. Chief Gloria Frank was also recognized at the ceremony for her recent promotion, making her the first female three-star chief in PAPD’s history.
“The safety and security of the millions of people who use our facilities continue to be our top priority, and we are confident these new officers will allow us to continue this goal,” said PANYNJ Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “We welcome them as they begin their journey of public service.”
“The port authority’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and diversity is reflected in our newest officers, who come from various backgrounds and cultures that will help us forge deeper, more meaningful connections with the communities that our facilities serve,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton.
“Our new PAPD officers receive six months of comprehensive law enforcement preparation that included an explicit anti-bias workshop to improve and enhance their interactions with the public,” said PANYNJ Chief Security Officer Greg Ehrie. “We are confident these officers will provide the highest level of safety and security for our customers and staff.”
“Pride and devotion to service have defined generations of PAPD officers,” said PAPD Police Superintendent Edward Cetnar. “These new officers bear the proud legacy of thousands of PAPD officers who came before them, as well as the vitally critical responsibility of securing the facilities and infrastructure that keep the region moving.”
The new officers, which also include 62 graduates with prior law enforcement experience, are the first class of PAPD recruits to receive dedicated LGBTQ sensitivity training taught by instructors from the academy and the non-profit group New Jersey’s LGBTQ Law Enforcement Liaison, as part of the academy’s newly updated training curriculum. In August, the port authority said the chief of agency affairs will liaise with the region’s LGBTQ+ community, gather feedback on PAPD’s work and to ensure any concerns are quickly brought to light and appropriately acted upon.
Among this year’s class are six legacy recruits, including the son of K-9 Officer John Cortazzo, who was the first PAPD officer to die from a Sept. 11-related illness following his work in Sept. 11 recovery efforts. In addition to assigning Anthony Cortazzo to his late father’s badge number, PAPD has also renamed its top canine training award in honor of John Cortazzo’s service as a K-9 officer.
