Pocono News Section

Scranton Adds Extra Security at Memorial Stadium

Scranton Adds Extra Security at Memorial Stadium - Friday, September 4, 2009 at 10:30PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Friday, Sep 4, 2009 @ 10:30pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY- The new high school football season kicked off Friday night. Thousands of fans crowded into stadiums to see their favorite teams.

And in one district the police presence doubled. At Memorial Stadium in Scranton, instead of the normal six police officers there were 13 on patrol. It comes as a proactive measure after a couple of recent incidents.

Scranton's Memorial Stadium is well known for being one of the biggest and best sports venues in the area. Now city leaders want to make sure it stays one of the safest.

Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty said, ÒWe want to make sure people understand -- when they go to a football game at Memorial Stadium -- they can enjoy it."

Doherty and school district leaders decided to increase police presence after a fight at July's Dream Game and the recent arrest of two West Scranton students for a gang murder. ÒWe're sending a message. We're not fooling around here -- so we'll have a presence,Ó said Doherty.

Business owners across from the stadium like the idea of increasing the number of officers from 6 to 13. Russell Preno, co-owner of Preno Pizza & CafŽ said, ÒI think itÕs a great idea. You look around -- all the parking and everything. I know last year they had some problems with vandalism and cars and stuff."

Co-owner Michael Gentile added, ÒI think its great, being a family-orientated affair going on. A lot of action going on over there and people shouldn't have to feel unsafe."

City leaders stress they don't expect any problems. They just want to be proactive.

As for who pays for the officers, the city is picking up the tab. ÒThis is our city. This is something I felt is necessary to have more officers at," added Doherty.

When asked how long the extra officers will be on patrol at games, the mayor said for the "distant future you will see them."