OLD FORGE - Looking around at a room full of police officers, James Gray reflected that there is no better honor for officers than to be recognized by their peers.
On Thursday, during the monthly meeting for the Fraternal Order of Police Northeastern Lodge 63, five officers from the region were recognized for their service soon after they retired.
Former Jessup police Chief Anthony Ligi, Lt. Larry Witt of Honesdale police and Capt. Joe Pilcavage, Sgt. Joe Laguzzi, and Detective Sgt. Jesse VanDeusen, all of Carbondale City police, received Career Recognition Awards for their combined 114 years of service to Northeast Pennsylvania.
Most said that the time went by too quickly. All said that they will miss serving their communities but will continue to find ways to give back.
"Time went by a lot faster than I thought," Sgt. Laguzzi said, who has taken over as Clarks Summit police chief.
"I'm still going to stay in law enforcement training cadets," Detective Sgt. Jesse VanDeusen said. "It's in my blood."
Mr. Gray, the former Dalton police chief and borough mayor, said that all five of those men were tremendous assets to the communities they served and will be missed.
"But you have officers that work under them who will do the same," Mr. Gray said. "They have been taught well."
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