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Port Authority Recruits Train at FDU

On September 11, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey lost 37 police officers and commanders — the largest loss of life by a police department in a single day in U.S. history. The attacks also meant operational personnel had to be relocated, and training was effectively halted. In the meantime, Port Authority officers resiliently pressed forward, working 12-hour shifts, six days a week, while waiting for help to arrive.

That help is now on its way, thanks to a new three-year agreement between Fairleigh Dickinson University and the Port Authority, in which FDU’s Teaneck-Hackensack Campus will serve as the center for accelerated education and training for new Port Authority police officers. On March 5, the first class of recruits — 85 in all — began their training on campus at the Port Authority Police Training Academy to join the force and provide relief for the undermanned unit.

“This is a very happy day for the Port Authority, to be able to start rebuilding the department up from the losses suffered on 9/11,” said Chief Joseph Morris, acting superintendent of the Port Authority Police force. “We’re honored to be at Fairleigh Dickinson University. It’s a great facility and a great place to learn.”

The first class will graduate in eight weeks, and a second class is scheduled to start in May. FDU created office space on the main floor of Dickinson Hall and opened classroom space in the Edward Williams Building. The Port Authority also will use the Rothman Center and the Edward Williams parking lot before 7 a.m.

The Port Authority will renovate the Edward Williams auditorium to include new carpeting, ceiling and lighting and donate new fitness equipment to make physical training more efficient.

“This is a world-class organization that provides security for the gateway to the world,” said FDU President J. Michael Adams. “We’re proud to be partners with them and to help them meet their future needs.”

As the recruits started their program, Adams welcomed them to the University and told them, “Over the next years you will assume different roles and responsibilities at the Port Authority. … Over that time you have a great responsibility. You must link your development and contributions to education. You must continually seek to improve yourself, your organization and your world.”

Port Authority chose FDU in part because of its central location and its excellent facilities. Michael Tobia, commander of the Port Authority Police Training Academy, also said the educational environment was a key factor. “Partnering with an educational institution is a plus,” he said. “From the beginning, our recruits will be exposed to community partnerships. They will not have been training in some isolated place, but will work from within a community.”

Tobia said the recruits were anxious and ready to begin the training. “They can’t wait to get to the job.”

FDU and Port Authority have enjoyed a close relationship since 1999, when the University began offering courses for Port Authority personnel on site in Jersey City and Fort Lee. The University and the Port Authority also are exploring other opportunities for the future.

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