CHIEF LEONARD D. SZAFRANSKI

Chief Leonard D. Szafranski was a veteran of the U.S. Navy (1953-1957) serving as a Communications Technician. He worked for Seaboard Steel as a welder and attended the Columbia Institute, Philadelphia, PA for Radio and TV (1958). Chief Szafranski joined the Delaware Memorial Bridge Police Department in January 1962, moving through the ranks until being promoted to Chief in August 1991. Chief Szafranski earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Wilmington College (1978). Chief Szafranski was the first police officer of the Delaware River and Bay Authority to graduate from the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy (FBINA), in 1986. Chief Szafranski retired from the Authority on December 31, 1992, after more than thirty (30), years of dedicated service. Following his retirement, Chief Szafranski fulfilled the role of Consultant to the police force until 1993.

Chief Szafranski was a member of the Delaware Police Chiefs Council, the Salem County Chiefs Association, and the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA). He was a past president of St. Hedwig's Parish Counsel, St Hedwig Home School Association, and Salesianum Alumni Association. He also served as Chairman/Co-Chairman of St. Hedwig's Polish Festival for 15 years. Chief Szafranski passed away in February 2015.