Luzerne County Council adopted a resolution authorizing the Luzerne County District Attorney to sign an agreement with Lackawanna County and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport to provide law enforcement officers (LEOs) at airport security checkpoints.

Proponents framed the agreement as a public-safety measure. A council member speaking as a former first responder said local departments are capable but stretched: “If a police officer is at the other side of [a nearby municipality] and something happens at the airport where they need to get there very quickly, its not gonna happen quickly … seconds count,” he said, arguing the negotiated arrangement with Lackawanna County and the airport was a win for the region. Another council member clarified cost-sharing: Luzerne would contribute 25 percent, Lackawanna 25 percent, and the airport would cover 50 percent; previously Luzerne had been paying 100 percent and council members said the change was an improvement.

Opponents and skeptics pressed for transparency about hourly rates and cited prior complaints that the earlier arrangement left Luzerne shouldering the full cost. Council discussed procedural and timing questions before voting; the roll call recorded a majority in favor and the resolution passed.