The Allentown Police Athletic League was chartered in 1956 as a perpetual organization. Under the direction of Marty Roemig and Gene Gallagher 90 boys and girls bowled at the old Wal-Ten, Rialto and Boulevard Lanes. The bowlers set up their own pins until automatic machines were installed.
In 1958, Gallagher was replaced by Ernest Lilly (LT. in traffic). In 1960 Lilly was replaced by Andy Posch (Lt. School Safety and assisted with PAL). In 1968, Roemig was replaced by Wilbur Held. In 1976, Held was replaced by John Schaffer. In 2003, the PAL program was discontinued by the city. John Schaffer continued to run the program in a reduced manner until the city reinstated the program in 2006. At that time, Schaffer decided to work in the background and John Guido replaced him.
Some of the programs that were held over the years were bowling, rifle safety, football, baseball, fireworks, summer camp called Camp Blue Line, Marathon, Basketball, Golden Hearts giving during Easter, Thanksgiving, Halloween and Christmas), Square Dancing, Wrestling and
a Home Run Derby.
We have also done sponsorships for boxing, karate, Parkettes, summer camperships to the Boys and Girls Club of Allentown and a scholarship fund. As you can see, PAL has done much over the years and has touched the lives of thousands of our children making them a better and productive citizen.
In 1958, Gallagher was replaced by Ernest Lilly (LT. in traffic). In 1960 Lilly was replaced by Andy Posch (Lt. School Safety and assisted with PAL). In 1968, Roemig was replaced by Wilbur Held. In 1976, Held was replaced by John Schaffer. In 2003, the PAL program was discontinued by the city. John Schaffer continued to run the program in a reduced manner until the city reinstated the program in 2006. At that time, Schaffer decided to work in the background and John Guido replaced him.
Some of the programs that were held over the years were bowling, rifle safety, football, baseball, fireworks, summer camp called Camp Blue Line, Marathon, Basketball, Golden Hearts giving during Easter, Thanksgiving, Halloween and Christmas), Square Dancing, Wrestling and
a Home Run Derby.
We have also done sponsorships for boxing, karate, Parkettes, summer camperships to the Boys and Girls Club of Allentown and a scholarship fund. As you can see, PAL has done much over the years and has touched the lives of thousands of our children making them a better and productive citizen.
The Allentown Police Officers who have been in charge of PAL over the years
Gene Gallagher one of the founding members of PAL.
Lt. Andy Posch-1989
Sgt Wilbur Held
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Gene Gallagher one of the founding members of PAL.
Captain Ernest Lilly
Lt. John Schaffer
Lt. John Schaffer
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