Lackawanna and Luzerne Finalize Agreement on Airport Safety

Lackawanna and Luzerne counties have reached a two-year agreement to share the cost of police coverage at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport — the first time Lackawanna has formally contributed since federal funding for the program ended in 2024.

Under the deal, the airport will cover half the cost, and the two counties will split the other half. Police from surrounding municipalities will provide coverage seven days a week from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. The counties announced the agreement jointly, and Luzerne officials publicly thanked Lackawanna Commissioners Brenda Sacco and Chris Chermak for helping move the issue forward.

The airport has long had a full-time security staff and TSA personnel, but neither has arrest powers, which is why Luzerne County continued the police presence after federal funding disappeared. Luzerne’s leadership has argued that maintaining sworn police officers is a matter of safety, liability, and consistency with larger airports.

At a recent airport board meeting, Commissioner Bill Gaughan questioned whether the additional police presence was necessary, pointing out that airport officials themselves said they could operate without it. He cast the lone vote against the agreement and the airport budget that included the program, citing concerns about cost and redundancy.

Luzerne County officials disagreed, calling the police presence an important safeguard. District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce defended the program, saying eliminating it would put the airport out of line with standard practice nationally. Luzerne County Manager Romilda Crocamo has also been firm in her position that public safety should come first.

The joint announcement did not reference Gaughan but did express optimism about continued cooperation once Commissioner-elect Thom Welby takes office. Officials emphasized that the agreement helps stabilize airport operations and ensures a predictable framework for both counties.

With the funding dispute now largely resolved, both counties appear focused on restoring a more collaborative working relationship and keeping the region’s airport secure and well-managed.