Criminal Justice Students Present Challenge Coin to Franklin Police Department in Honor of Dr. Pietro (Pete) Savo Criminal Justice Internship

On Monday, April 11, 2022, students from the Criminal Justice programs honored the Franklin Police Department (FPD) with the presentation of a challenge coin in recognition of the Dr. Pietro (Pete) Savo Criminal Justice Internship.

The Dr. Pietro (Pete) Savo Criminal Justice Internship is a program in collaboration with the Franklin Police Department that offers the opportunity for one student from Dean College to intern with the FPD each semester, gaining valuable experience in the field of law enforcement. The internship program is named in honor of Dr. Pietro (Pete) Savo, Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator for the Criminal Justice and Homeland Security programs, who passed away unexpectedly in 2021.

The ceremony was organized by Criminal Justice faculty members and students, and the coin was presented by Kevin Fitzgibbon ’22, a Criminal Justice and Homeland Security major and president of the Criminal Justice Club, to Chief TJ Lynch, who accepted the coin on behalf of the FPD.

“I am grateful for FPD’s continued dedication to supporting Dean College students,” Fitzgibbon said. “The establishment of the Dr. Savo Internship continues Dr. Pete’s legacy of providing fulfilling educational and career opportunities. Dr. Pete always spoke highly of Chief Lynch and his department and fostered a close working relationship with them. It is only fitting they receive this commemoration.”

Challenge coins are used extensively in the military and law enforcement sectors as awards, memorials and tokens of appreciation. The presentation of a challenge coin is a nod to Dr. Savo’s service in the U.S. Navy. The coin was designed by Julia Patzer ’23, a Criminal Justice major. The face of the coin contains the Criminal Justice Club logo, the date of Dr. Savo’s passing and the values that Dr. Savo encouraged his students to live by every day. On the reverse side of the coin is a dedication to Dr. Savo, featuring his silhouette. The coin was presented to Chief Lynch by Fitzgibbon, who also served in the military.

Learn more about Dean College’s Criminal Justice programs and the Dr. Pietro (Pete) Savo Criminal Justice Internship.