Two FDU degrees serve deputy police chief well

Keeping people safe and creating secure learning environments for children is constantly on the mind of Fort Lee Deputy Chief of Police Patrick Kissane, MAS’15.

A decorated United States Marine who served in the Persian Gulf War, Kissane has no shortages of feats to be proud of on and off the job.

One of his proudest moments came when he earned his Masters in Administrative Science from FDU’s Petrocelli College of Continuing Studies.

“Earning my higher education degrees from Fairleigh Dickinson University definitely helped me out personally and professionally,” says Kissane. “It gave me a sense of accomplishment and satisfied a personal goal. I wanted to set an example for my kids who are now 16 and 19 years old. I wanted to send the message if I can do it, so can you.”

Prior to receiving his master’s, Kissane earned his Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies from FDU in 2011.

“As an adult learner, the instructors were always supportive and helpful,” he adds. “I keep telling everyone I know to take one class at a time. Keep plugging away and before you know it, it’s over.”

Through the MAS program, Kissane also earned graduate certificates in School Security and Safety Administration, Global Security and Terrorism Studies, Homeland Security Administration and Emergency Management Administration.

“What I really enjoyed about the MAS program was the affordability and flexibility of the course offerings,” says Kissane. “I also appreciated the fact that I could earn the additional specialized graduate certificates. You never know when a promotion comes along; you need to be ready.”

Kissane currently serves as the executive director, past president and co-founder of the New Jersey Association of School Resource Officers. He also serves as operations commander and municipal counterterrorism coordinator for the Borough of Fort Lee.

Recently, Kissane accepted the National Valor in Community Service Award from the National Stop the Violence Alliance.