Kressley Family Scholarship

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.

The KFS Board of Trustees recognizes the importance of effective and appropriate policing in today’s society. The Board believes that a strong and trusting relationship between police officers and community members is a crucial link that should be built and reinforced. For that reason, the Scholarship donates $1000 annually to the Allentown Police Athletic League. Since 1956, the Allentown PAL has supported the area’s youth through recreational activities aimed at promoting friendship and good will among participants while stimulating respectful and friendly relationships between youth and police officers.

Your donation will help continue to carry forward our family legacy, while supporting young lives in the community.