About Us

The Italian American Police Association began when Angelo Fatta got an idea in his head about starting a club consisting of Italian American Police Officers. Accordingly, Angelo Fatta is considered our founding father. Eight of us got together and held our very first meeting in the old Show-up room on the fourth floor of Police Headquarters, 74 Franklin Street. I was appointed as the first recording secretary and Angelo Fatta was named our first President.The minutes of every meeting including that very first meeting have been preserved and passed on from recording secretary to recording secretary. To the best of my recollection, the members in attendance at that first meeting were: Angelo Fatta, Nick Martone, Louis Russo, Angelo Alessandra, Anthony Curletta, Anthony Manzella, Joseph Lascola, and Charlie Fieramusca. In addition, Angelo Cannizzaro and Joseph Nigrelli were appointed to the original board of directors.

 As told by Charlie Fieramusca… 

We began as a fraternal organization and over the years established goals and objectives as listed in our by-laws. We have grown into a strong, widespread organization which is dedicated not only to bringing together Italian Americans who are members of the criminal justice system, but more importantly reaching out to members of the community who are in need.

In 1974, a young Police Officer assigned to the fifth precinct in Buffalo was tragically killed in the line of duty. His name was David J. Scime; he was the first member of our association who was killed in the line of duty. We established a scholarship in his name and every year since his death; this financial scholarship is awarded to a graduate of McKinley High School, David”s alma mater. We also award a second scholarship at Lafayette High School annually in the name of Robert Insalaco, yet another member of our association who was killed in the line of duty.

Membership to our organization has since grown to all areas of the criminal justice system. We are a proud, strong organization dedicated to helping members of our society who are less fortunate than we are. It is our goal to continue growing and helping our community far into the future.

Charlie Fieramusca
First Recording Secretary
Past President, I.A.P.A