Published: 07/21/2018
PAL Camp Students, Summer 2018
The second annual Erie Police Athletic League (PAL) kicks off its summer camp July 23-27 at the Gannon University Recreation and Wellness Center, 130 W. Fourth St
At the PAL day camp hosted by Gannon University, children will be encouraged to participate in sports and activities such as martial arts, swimming and wrestling while being mentored by Erie police officers, sheriff's deputies and Gannon University varsity coaches and student-athletes. Participation has increased from the inaugural camp to include students from Pfieffer-Burleigh Elementary, McKinley Elementary School, Harding School, Trinity Center, Veronica Gamble' Crew and Lincoln Elementary School.
Evidence has shown that PAL programs nationwide help reduce crime, promote positive character development and create a bond of respect and understanding between kids and cops.
A mainstay in Erie in the 1950s, the historic institution was revived locally in 2016 by former Chief Randy Bowers, Sheriff John Loomis and attorney Ron DiNicola. Last year, Chief Don Dacus replaced Chief Bowers as Co-Chair and PAL partnered with the Erie School District to place officers and sheriff's deputies in the Gearing Up program at Pfeiffer-Burleigh School. PAL looks to expand geographically in the City through collaborations that help increase the number of mentors available to inner-city youth and expand access to after school programming.