Protect and Defend 5K Run/Walk Planned

SCRANTON, Pa. – The Lackawanna College Police Academy will hold the Protect and Defend 5K Run/Walk in memory of Scranton Ptlm. John J. Wilding on Sunday, July 22, 2018. The race will
begin and end at Courthouse Square in downtown Scranton.

Proceeds from the annual event benefit the Ptlm. John J Wilding Memorial Scholarship Fund, which supports cadets at the Lackawanna College Police Academy.

The scholarship fund is named for the late Scranton Police Department officer who was killed in the
line of duty in July 2015. Officer Wilding was a graduate of the Academy and a Lackawanna College Public Safety Officer prior to his one-year career with the Scranton Police Department.

Pre-registration for the event costs $25 and day-of registration will cost $30. Participants can pre-register online for the event at runsignup.com/protectdefend5k. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. on July 22, and the race will begin at 9:30 a.m. There will also be a Children’s Fun Run for children under age 12, led by Officer Wilding’s nine-year-old daughter Lola. There will be additional children’s activities for this family-friendly event.

Additionally, a Pre-Race Day Happy Hour at Backyard Alehouse on Linden Street in Scranton will be held on Friday, July 20 from 5–7 p.m. Admission for the event is $20, which includes a limited open bar and food. Proceeds from the Pre-Race Day Happy Hour will benefit the Scholarship Fund. Those who register for the Run/Walk prior to or at the Pre-Race Day Happy Hour will receive a $5 discount on admission to the Happy Hour.

Basket raffles, courtesy of local businesses and community supporters, will be available at both events. Those wishing to donate a basket or gift card to be raffled or those wishing to sponsor the event can contact Lackawanna College Administrative Assistant – Cadet Activities, Denise Boyle, at (570) 961-7842 or email boyled@lackawanna.edu.

About Lackawanna College Police Academy

Since 1977, the Lackawanna College Police Academy has provided ACT 120 certification through the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission in Harrisburg, Pa. Thousands of graduating cadets actively serve as police officers throughout the United States, and as chiefs of police, attorneys, sheriffs, and as agents of state and federal agencies. The Police Academy is committed to participating in community service and awareness campaigns in its ongoing mission to always put service above self. Learn more at www.lackawanna.edu/police.