PITTSTON TWP. — Following an executive session where the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport’s Law Enforcement Officer program was discussed, the six-member panel convened the public meeting and discussed the LEO program amid charges of “grandstanding,” countered by the public’s right to know.
The issue was raised by Luzerne County Controller Walter Griffith, who asked the board about the program’s cost and whether Lackawanna County was going to pay its fair share. Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan said Lackawanna County is not in a financial position to share the cost, in fact Gaughan advocated the elimination of the LEO program based on an analysis done by the airport’s administration.
Gaughan said that airport Executive Director Carl Beardsley, Assistant Executive Director BJ Teichman, and Mark Bailer, the Director of Public Safety and a former Air Marshal, compiled the analysis and agreed the program is not needed.
That assertion sent Luzerne County Manager Romilda Crocamo into a compassionate plea to stop the discussion and schedule a meeting between the Airport board, administration and the District Attorneys from Luzerne and Lackawanna counties on the viability of the LEO program,
“I am deeply disappointed by the obstacles being erected by Commissioner Gaughan in our efforts to further secure the airport,” Crocamo said. “These barriers not only hinder progress, but also compromise the safety and security of our community. It is essential that we prioritize the implementation of effective measures that safeguard our airport, ensuring that it remains a secure environment for all travelers and personnel. His glib attitude is concerning. I do not and will not kneel at the Bill Gaughan alter.”
Gaughan took exception to Crocamo’s comments, noting several times that he, as an elected representative of the people of Lackawanna County, has the right to speak on their behalf and ask questions on a matter that had already been discussed at length in the executive session.
“The people who run this airport say that the LEO program is not needed,” Gaughan said. “TSA has assured us that the airport is safe. I am not going back to the taxpayers of Lackawanna County to tell them they must pay for a program that is not needed.”
Crocamo stood her ground, stating that she found it “quite ironic” that the discussion surrounding airport security took place without the presence of Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce, who oversees the program.
“This absence prevented a critical opportunity for the DA to address and refute the statements made by Commissioner Gaughan and the airport administration,” Crocamo said. “It raises significant concerns that essential information may have been withheld from the person responsible for managing the program.”
Crocamo continued by stating that the situation feels “suspect and unfair,” as it not only undermines the integrity of the discussion, but also casts doubt on the transparency of the decision-making process.
“The lack of representation from the District Attorney prompts further questions about the motives behind this exclusion and whether it reflects a broader issue of accountability within the airport’s security framework,” Crocamo said. “It’s imperative that all relevant voices are included in such discussions to ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation of security measures.”
When contacted after the meeting, DA Sanguedolce responded to the assertion that the LEO program is not needed.
“I think it’s important to point out that after we found out the federal government cut the line item from the budget a couple of years ago, the airport came to us in an emergency situation, telling us that the airport might have to close,” Sanguedolce said. “We put the LEO program together and Luzerne County absorbed most of the cost.”
Sanguedolce also said that he met with the airport’s security director who told him that in Pennsylvania, any police officer in any municipality can arrest anyone anywhere in Pennsylvania.
“That’s just not true,” Sanguedolce said. “I explained to him what jurisdiction means. I told him, for example, that a police officer from Pittston can not arrest someone in Philadelphia. As far as the airport, only Pittston Township, Avoca and our LEO officers have jurisdiction. TSA does not have arresting authority. That’s why they need us there.”
Sanguedolce said he would be open to attending a meeting with the Lackawanna County DA and the airport board and administration to discuss the LEO program — in a public forum.
“I also want to say that the terrorists on 9/11 did not come through the JFK airport — they came through much smaller airports,” Sanguedolce said. “That’s why security is so important.”
Crocamo agreed and she had much more to say at the airport board meeting.
“I find myself equally befuddled by the apparent reluctance of airport personnel to embrace the implementation of as many layers of security as possible,” Crocamo said. “It is perplexing that while there seems to be a willingness to allocate funds for marketing initiatives, the same urgency does not appear to extend to enhancing our security measures. In an environment where safety should be our top priority, this approach raises concerns about the commitment to protecting travelers and staff alike. I strongly believe that investing in robust security should take precedence over marketing efforts, ensuring the airport remains a safe and secure place for everyone.”
Crocamo then added, “I will not expose the taxpayers of Luzerne County to liability if a tragic event happens and we are sued because of the recklessness of individuals who underestimate the need for a police presence at the airport.”
Sanguedolce said Avoca Police Department had handled airport calls in the past, but that department is down to one officer since 2021, prompting Luzerne County to start the LEO program. Federal funding for the LEO program ended on May of 2024. Sanguedolce said the LEO program cost is approximately $175,000 per year, with Luzerne County paying $12,000 per month and the airport paying $2,500 per month. Gaughan said the airport security staff cost is $500,000 per year.
The other 2 Lackawanna County Commissioners
Lackawanna County Commissioner Chris Chermak, who was elected vice chair of the airport board at the meeting, and the newest member, Brenda Sacco, each said that Gaughan speaks for himself. Both agreed that a meeting with all parties would be beneficial in evaluating the LEO program.
Other issues
On Oct. 15, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport officials urged Luzerne and Lackawanna counties to approve a partnership agreement so the Avoca complex remains eligible for federal funding.
The Federal Aviation Administration had informed the airport that future grant funds are at risk if a bi-county agreement is not executed “very soon,” airport Assistant Executive Director BJ Teichman told Luzerne County Council at its work session.
Teichman said approximately $21.3 million in federal grant funds are anticipated for airport projects over the next few years.
Attorney Nicholas M. Clabbers, a partner with Kaplan Kirsch specializing in aviation matters, is assisting the airport and explained the reason for the FAA requirement during the work session.
Crocamo and several council members said Luzerne County may be interested in exploring the first option of taking the lead instead of a partnership.
Clabbers said the decision on how to proceed rests with the elected legislative body of each county, not the bi-county airport board.
Councilwoman LeeAnn McDermott, who chairs the airport board, said Wednesday she sent an email to her council colleagues asking them to submit all questions and concerns about the draft partnership agreement or general subject to advance discussion.
Teichman had requested council approval of the agreement at its next meeting on Oct. 28, but McDermott said another work session discussion likely will be necessary. She also said Lackawanna County commissioners will be invited to participate in the discussion.
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.