Criminal Justice and Intelligence Studies Department Hosts Pittsburgh Police Recognition Ceremony on Campus Tuesday, December 18, 2018
“To know that you place yourself at risk in the service of others is the highest level of service and duty. Truly, the Pittsburgh Police department and each of you are Stronger Than Hate.”
More than 150 police officers and civilians were honored at the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Inaugural Years of Service Recognition Ceremony Dec. 12 at Point Park University.
Public administration alumnus Lee Schmidt ’16 was the master of ceremonies, Associate Professor Richard Linzer, J.D., gave the keynote address, and Pittsburgh Police Chief and criminal justice alumnus Scott Schubert ’07 ‘10, recognized officers and civilians with 25 or more years of service.
Linzer told the audience: “It is my honor to stand before you and have the opportunity to talk to you and thank you for your service to this community. I do so on behalf of Point Park University, as a member of the community of greater Pittsburgh and as a member of the Jewish community. Your efforts and service are appreciated by all of Pittsburgh.”
Before presenting the awards, Schubert encouraged the audience to not forget the four injured officers still recovering from the mass shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood.
“I love Pittsburgh Police and the community that we have here. We’ll always be family,” Schubert said.
Among the Point Park students in attendance were criminal justice majors Laura D’Alessandris ‘19, and Wolfgang Stearns ’20.
“My favorite part was hearing from keynote speaker Professor Richard Linzer. He encouraged me to join Alpha Phi Sigma, the nationally recognized criminal justice honor society, and he is one of my favorite people to learn from!” said D’Alessandris, a graduate of Saint Joseph’s High School in Natrona Heights, PA.
D’Alessandris added: “I love the criminal justice program and the accomplishments of the faculty. I plan to continue my education through Point Park’s graduate program in intelligence and global security.”
Stearns, who graduated from Fox Chapel Area High School, also plans to stay at Point Park to earn a master’s degree in intelligence and global security.
“Hearing Chief Schubert address the officers who have been with the department for many years was the highlight of the ceremony for me. He is truly invested in recognizing the years of service dedicated to the city by the men and women of the Pittsburgh Police,” Stearns said.
Stearns added: “I chose Point Park University for its excellent criminal justice program and the location of campus. Downtown Pittsburgh offers a countless number of opportunities in any field. I look forward to the rest of my time here.”
Linzer also said in his keynote address: “As a prosecutor and government lawyer for more than 30 years, I understand your sense of duty and commitment to our society. To know that you place yourself at risk in the service of others is the highest level of service and duty. Truly, the Pittsburgh Police department and each of you are Stronger Than Hate.”