SCPD Capt. Retires After 31 Years
By: Adam Paluka
Updated: May 14, 2010
STATE COLLEGE, CENTRE COUNTY - Captain Dana Leonard’s seen a lot of change in his 31 years at the State College Police Department, when he started the entire department could fit inside a tiny two story house on Fraser Street. Before he leaves their current state of the art digs on Allen Street one last time, WTAJ sat down with his chief talk about a man known for his patience, humor, and work ethic.
Most Central Pennsylvanians know State College Police Captain Dana Leonard as the media spokesperson for the SCPD.
Before he was a media liaison, Leonard worked as a patrol officer, detective, even an undercover drug investigator. The Potter County native started at department back in 1978
“What I’ve always admired in Dana is his patience his ability to proceed through any challenges in what he was trying to accomplish and that he stayed very fresh in the career . . . Dana made a point to always be up to date on the latest technologies and practices in law enforcement ,” State College Police Chief Tom King said.
King said Leonard has maxed out his department pension, and the Chief told WTAJ the Captain wants a new challenge. That will be in Harrisburg at the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police headquarters.
“He still has lots of energy and a lot to offer, he felt like you know ‘I can collect my retirement from State College, a very good retirement , and I can go and provide and my expertise to someone else and do something a little bit different for the next eight to ten years.’”
The state capital's gain is State College’s loss. Leonard will be officially recognized for his retirement from the department in July.
Most Central Pennsylvanians know State College Police Captain Dana Leonard as the media spokesperson for the SCPD.
Before he was a media liaison, Leonard worked as a patrol officer, detective, even an undercover drug investigator. The Potter County native started at department back in 1978
“What I’ve always admired in Dana is his patience his ability to proceed through any challenges in what he was trying to accomplish and that he stayed very fresh in the career . . . Dana made a point to always be up to date on the latest technologies and practices in law enforcement ,” State College Police Chief Tom King said.
King said Leonard has maxed out his department pension, and the Chief told WTAJ the Captain wants a new challenge. That will be in Harrisburg at the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police headquarters.
“He still has lots of energy and a lot to offer, he felt like you know ‘I can collect my retirement from State College, a very good retirement , and I can go and provide and my expertise to someone else and do something a little bit different for the next eight to ten years.’”
The state capital's gain is State College’s loss. Leonard will be officially recognized for his retirement from the department in July.
