LCCC Public Safety Training Institute

05/24/2026

This Memorial Day, Luzerne County Community College honors and remembers the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

We are forever grateful for their courage, dedication, and commitment to protecting our freedoms. Today, and every day, we remember those who gave all. 🇺🇸

05/20/2026

FDNY firefighter Michael Carlo of Engine 230 was born on May 20, 1967. Michael is the inspiration and reason that we have the Luzerne County Community College 9/11 Memorial. The idea for a memorial was started by his mother who wanted to pay tribute to her son. We are honored to have this memorial on our campus in dedication to Michael and all the other first responders who perished on 9/11.

Happy heavenly birthday FDNY firefighter Michael Carlo of Engine 230. He was born on May 20, 1967, and would have been 59 years old today. We will never forget the ultimate sacrifice, that he made on September 11, 2001.

Michael Scott Carlo's eyes were tracking American Airlines Flight 11 as it tore into the north tower. From the rooftop of his firehouse on the border of Williamsburg and Bedford-Stuyvesant in Brooklyn, the 34-year-old firefighter from Engine Company 230 had a clear view of the first terrorist attack Sept. 11, his older brother, Robert Carlo of Whitestone, said.

The two spoke between the attacks on the World Trade Center. The younger Carlo phoned his brother to know "if [he] saw what was going on," said Robert Carlo, a member of Ladder Company 23 in Harlem. "He was watching the first trade center tower burn from the roof, and he wanted to know if I was heading down there."

They also discussed the vacation they planned for Sept. 12. Avid sailors, they were keen on earning their captain's certificates from the American Sailing Association during their stay in Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, Robert Carlo said.

Michael Scott Carlo was deployed to the World Trade Center shortly after his conversation with his older brother.

Carlo graduated from Bayside High School in 1985 and began working at Baschnagel Brothers Roofing in Whitestone after graduation until joining the Fire Department almost eight years ago.

To supplement their incomes as firefighters, the Carlos founded Michael Carlo Inc., a roofing company in Whitestone. "He was a great roofer," Robert Carlo said. "Customers loved talking to him, and he was really good with the other guys that worked with us. We learned a lot as we went along together."

Summer nights, after long days at the firehouse or on roofing jobs, were spent on the sands of Long Beach. They were part of a six-man beach volleyball team composed of members of the FDNY's Hooks and Hoses. They were also members of a traveling six-man indoor volleyball team sponsored by the FDNY that won a bronze medal at a competition in Indianapolis last summer.

Carlo had bought a home in Long Beach two years ago, his brother said. "If Michael wanted to do something, he'd do it," Robert Carlo said. "If he wanted a boat, he'd find a way to buy a boat. If he wanted to live on the beach, he'd find a way to get a house on the beach."

A bench on the boardwalk in Long Beach has been turned into a memorial to Michael Scott Carlo. On it, a plaque inscribed with Carlo's favorite quote by Mark Twain reads: "Twenty years from now, you'll be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than the ones that you did. So cast off your bow line, sail away from your safe harbor. Explore, dream, and discover."

- New York Newsday, 2001

05/12/2026

Police Memorial Week 2026

05/12/2026

Join us as USCCA and LCCC-PSTI bring you a free safety class "When Can You Use Force" on May 22 from 6pm-8pm at the LCCC Public Safety Training Institute 1211 Public Safety Drive Nanticoke PA 18634. Luzerne County Community College. Please use the link below to register for the event.

When You Can Use Force taught by undefined at 1211 Public Safety Dr Nanticoke, PA on Fri, May. 22, 2026

05/11/2026

National Police Week is observed from May 10th to May 16th. It is a nationwide tribute to law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, as well as a celebration of those who continue to protect communities. Luzerne County Community College

05/09/2026

Our condolences to the Thomas family and the Forty Fort Borough Police Department.

It is with deep sadness that the Forty Fort Borough Police Department shares the passing of Officer Bob Thomas.

Officer Thomas dedicated more than 30 years of his life to protecting and serving the Forty Fort community. Throughout his career, he served with professionalism, commitment, and a genuine care for the residents he swore to protect. His years of service left a lasting impact on our department, our borough, and the many people who had the privilege of knowing him.

Officer Thomas was more than a police officer. He was a respected colleague, a trusted public servant, and a part of the Forty Fort community. His dedication and service will not be forgotten.

On behalf of the Forty Fort Borough Police Department, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Officer Thomas’s family, friends, fellow officers, and all who are grieving this loss.

Rest easy, Officer Thomas. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your dedication to Forty Fort. You will be missed.

05/07/2026

05/05/2026

Thank you to all our firefighters at home and abroad for your service and dedication.

05/03/2026

Congratulations to our very own PSTI instructor Brian Mandak on his retirement. We thank you for your years of service and all you do for our fire fighter training at PSTI. Luzerne County Community College

05/01/2026

Congratulations Chief Guido on your retirement.

***IF ANYONE HAS PHOTOS FROM TODAYS CELEBRATION THEY WOUKD LIKE TO SHARE PLEASE FIND THE DROPBOX LINK IN THE COMMENTS!***

Today we recognize and celebrate Fire Chief Frank Guido on his retirement after an incredible 46 year career with the Kingston Forty Fort Fire Department, including the last 17 years as Chief.

Chief Guido began his service in December 1, 1980, hired by Mayor Charles Bankes, and later promoted to Chief by the late Mayor James Haggerty. Over the decades, he worked alongside six mayors and seven administrations, helping guide the department forward with dedication, professionalism and vision.

Throughout his distinguished career, Chief Guido received numerous citations for bravery and lifesaving efforts-an enduring testament to his courage and commitment to the community.

When asked about moments that define his career, Chief Guido points to several key milestones. Among them was the functional consolidation with Forty Fort Borough-an effort originally started by Chief Robert Cannon- which Chief Guido proudly built upon, strengthening and advancing the partnership to new levels.

He also reflects on leading the department through the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most challenging and demanding periods in history. Above all, he highlights the courage of the departments members. He often says that the men and women on the front lines, day in and day out, never wavered-demonstrating their commitment to protecting the community.

Another proud accomplishment was working alongside career and volunteer members who formed a committee in 2020 to purchase Engine 1. Despite the uncertainty and unstable financial outlook, Administrator Paul Keating and Chief Guido secured time sensitive federal funding, allowing the dept to move forward. Partnering with Dave Roberts, the team successfully ordered a new Pierce Saber!

Lastly, Chief Guido reflects on the incredible effort behind the purchase of Tower 1. Through an extremely competitive Luzerne County grant process, Mayor Jeff Coslett For Kingston Mayor, Admin Paul Keating and Chief Guido worked tirelessly to secure $1.921 million grant! With the support of a dedicated committee, the department was able to order a new Pierce 100’ quint- now known as Tower 1. Chief Guido credits the hard work and commitment of the tower committee as the backbone of the entire project!

These milestones, along with his decades of service, leave a lasting legacy of leadership, resilience, and progress for the Kingston Forty Fort Fire Dept. and the community it serves.

As his time with the Kingston Forty Fort Fire Dept. comes to a close, Chief Guido reflects on a career defined by meaningful relationships. “Working here was one of the greatest accomplishments of my life!” Over the course of 46 years, he encountered thousands of people- far too many to name individually- but the connections he built will always stay with him.

He especially reflects on the strong relationships formed with neighboring communities like Forty Fort and Swoyersville, along with fellow fire service leaders including Chief Jay Delaney of the Wilkes-Barre City Fire Department, Chief Joe Temarantz of the Hanover Township Fire Dept, Chief Mark Ritsick of the Plains Township Fire Department, and Chief engineer Jack Bonczewski of the Edwardsville Fire Department.

The partnerships and mutual aid efforts shared with these departments and so many others were a cornerstone of his career. Chief Guido says those bonds, built by years of working side by side, will always hold a special place in his heart.

As he closes the remarkable chapter, Chief Guido shares his deepest gratitude with those who have meant the most throughout his life- his family.

To his loving wife, Ann Judge Guido, his children Paul, Christopher and Kelly, and his grandchildren Madison, Carter and Carly- his love for you all is immeasurable. He often says that without your unwavering support, he would not have become the man or Chief that he is today. His world has always revolved around his family, and he could not be more proud of each and every one of you!

Lastly, Chief Guido recognizes his “other” family- the men and women of the Kingston Forty Fort Fire Dept.

To the career and volunteer members he has worked side by side with for nearly 50 years, he offers his heartfelt thanks. Your commitment to community, service and sacrifice is what makes everything possible.

“My guys are truly the Best of the Best!”

The pride he carries for this department and its members, and the bonds shared, will last a lifetime.

Thank you Chief Guido, for a lifetime of service, leadership, and commitment to the communities you proudly served! 🚒 🚑 🔥 🧑‍🚒