The Kressley Family Scholarship was first awarded in 1981 in memory of Ralph Kressley, who served the city of Allentown as a police officer for 30 years. As Deputy Chief, and as Chief, he played an important role in building a modern and well trained police force. One of his proudest accomplishments was his work with Gerald M. Monahan, Sr. to develop the Allentown Police Academy and other law enforcement training programs.  

The scholarship now also honors the memory of Marcella Kressley, recognizing the supportive role she and other spouses play in the work of police officers. In 2015, Ralph's sons James Kressley, a 20-year veteran of the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department.  and David Kressley, a 26 year veteran of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Police Department were included by the Scholarship.

In partnership with the Allentown Police Academy, the scholarship is offered exclusively to students in the Basic Recruit Training Program.  The recipient is selected by his or her peers in each Academy class to recognize outstanding progress and improvement during the Academy’s 919-hour program.