Shikellamy Law Enforcement Week draws big crowd of students to hear guest speakers

Feb. 24—SUNBURY — Shikellamy Law Enforcement Club members heard from various speakers this past week and even had the chance to put an experienced district attorney on the stand to ask questions.

Luzerne County Deputy District Attorney Dan Zola appeared before Shikellamy Police Chief Shawn Williams' 50 law enforcement club members Friday morning inside the high school for a question and answer session about how the legal system plays out inside a courtroom.

Zola, who has prosecuted dozens of homicide cases, spoke to the students about the job before opening it up for questions.

Zola explained to students the process of prosecuting cases and gave words of advice.

"Prepare, prepare, prepare," he said. "Never enter a room where you aren't the most prepared person in it."

Zola told stories of older cases he and Williams worked on and told students to follow their dreams and to make sure they stay focused.

"Even when you go to your next class be prepared to be as focused as possible during that time," he said. "Take this lesson with you in life."

Students Bysaire Baez, 16, said he found the week of speakers interesting and informative.

"I learned a lot and I know I want a career in law enforcement," he said. "This is a great club and I am happy we have it here at Shikellamy. It really takes us behind the scenes of what goes on."

Arianna Barrern, 15, agreed.

"I found every speaker very interesting to hear from," she said. "It's interesting to see what each person does and it makes me consider a career in law enforcement. I am glad we have this club and I am happy to be a part of it."

Shikellamy students Isabella Kremer, 14, and Aubrie Garinger, 15, said they enjoyed Zola's presentation.

"I am learning so much," Kremer said. "This has been so helpful and I am so glad we have this club here."

Garinger, who said she is still undecided on her future, agreed.

"It's a great club and I am glad to have been able to listen to the presentation," she said.

Williams said he was thankful to get the help from fellow law enforcement officers to come to Shikellamy and share their experiences to students.

"It is my privilege to organize and to have these speakers talk about their careers, experiences and life lessons to our students," he said.

"It is hard to measure the impact it may have on them as individuals but my hope is to inspire them to seek out careers in law enforcement or related fields. But honestly, I know the presentations regarding hard work, determination and a passion to help others transcend to all work related fields. All the speakers were very impressive and are all-stars with their careers."

Other speakers included Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Anthony Petroski, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent Latoya Stewart, Point Township Police Department Sgt. Kevin Herring and Northumberland County Probation Office Adult Probation Officer Casey Fisher and Juvenile Probation Officer Janelle Torres.

"It's always great to come down to Shikellamy and speak to the students," Petroski said. "I love getting the questions from the students and I love the interest the district shows in law enforcement."