Three new police officers were sworn into the Erie Police Department yesterday in City Council chambers at Erie City Hall.
The new officers are:
- Patrick Parker, 24. Parker graduated from Cathedral Preparatory School. For the last year and a half, Parker worked security at Allegheny Health Network – St. Vincent Hospital.
- Luke Kubiak, 22. Kubiak graduated from Cathedral Preparatory School and went to Mercyhurst Northeast where he received an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice and attended the Police Academy. Kubiak worked at Allegheny Health Network – Saint Vincent Hospital for two years and at Cambridge Springs Police Department for the last five months.
- Kenneth Filer, 23. Filer graduated from Gannon University in May 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. For the last year and a half, he worked for the Erie County Sheriff’s Office where he served as the school resource officer for the Harbor Creek School District.
During the ceremony, the Erie Police command staff recognized the new officers and their new commitment to their community. “Today is an exciting day for the three individuals on stage,” said Erie Police Inspector Christopher Janus, who led the recruitment team for the three new officers. “It is a milestone in their law enforcement career they will never forget. However, it is not the first milestone nor is it the last in their career. Law enforcement is not just a job, but a calling to serve and protect others. Each of these individuals answered that call.”
About 50 people attended the ceremony, including fellow officers, friends, and family members.
Mayor Joe Schember congratulated the new officers and said, “You are joining an extremely talented and dedicated department with a long history of service to the citizens of Erie. You are very much appreciated by not only me, but by all the people who live, work, and visit our outstanding community.” The City of Erie Police Department was established in 1851 and has been in existence for over 170 years.
Erie Police Chief Daniel Spizarny said the new officers need only to look at their families when preparing for their new responsibilities as peacekeepers, law enforcement officers, and guardians. It is a great responsibility you have chosen,” said Chief Spizarny in his remarks during the ceremony. “You will be expected to protect and serve the citizens of Erie in a courteous and professional manner, sometimes in the most difficult of circumstances. “Look out at the family and friends here today. Let them be reminders of why you took this job. Remember that your desire to protect and defend your family is now your responsibility to the entire community. I suggest this: Treat everyone as you would want your family and friends to be treated.”
The three new officers are replacing three retiring Erie Police Department officers. Since Mayor Joe Schember took office in 2018, the Erie Police Department has hired 76 new officers.
The Erie Police Department now has a complement of 192 officers.
