Detective Gilmartin speaks at Lackawanna County Police Academy graduation

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Welcoming in the next generation of law enforcement across our area. On Tuesday, dozens came out to honor the newest Lackawanna College Police Academy graduates.

Those 26 men and women entering the force heard a speech from Detective Kyle Gilmartin. He’s the Scranton police officer who was shot in the head and critically injured while investigating gang-related shootings back in January.

That shooting happened on the second day of the academy for this group of cadets.

On Tuesday, Detective Kyle Gilmartin bravely shared his story , and words of wisdom, with the class as they started their journeys in law enforcement.

A powerful message about what it means to be a police officer.

“One thing I learned from my experience is that we must be physically and mentally prepared for anything,” Detective Gilmartin explained.

Scranton Police Detective Kyle Gilmartin shared his story Tuesday evening at the graduation ceremony for the Lackawanna College Police Academy Class 262, in hopes of teaching and inspiring the next generation of law enforcement.

“Once I was shot, I was still conscious enough to know that I was dying, but due to the courage and bravery of my partners that night, I survived,” Detective Gilmartin stated.

Cadet Captain Michael Samilo says Detective Gilmartin’s story is a reminder of the resilience of the job.

“It was empowering to see his recovery and just how far he’s come, and we’re still rooting for him in this class,” Lackawanna College Police Academy Class 262 Cadet Captain Michael Samilo said.

Samilo is just one of the twenty-six men and women of class 262. It’s a group that has undergone months of training, trials, and tests, and proven themselves ready to enter the force.

“We had cadets as young as 19 and we had cadets in their 50s so it was a great class. They came together as a team and I’m really excited to see where they go with their careers,” Lackawanna College Police Academy Director of Academy Operations Kevin Mahoney said.

Also a part of Tuesday’s ceremony: A tribute to fallen patrolman Ellis D Ellis from Scranton Police. His end of watch was on January 28, 1889.

These men and women graduating will go on to serve in counties across our area.

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