This story originally appeared in the Centre County Gazette.
STATE COLLEGE — The American Legion Post 245 held an awards banquet on Thursday, Feb. 27, where the 2025 student essay contest winners and first responders were honored in front of an audience of more than 40 guests, including the American Legion District Commander.
Alpha Fire Company Chief Tony Berrena was awarded the Post Firefighter of the Year.
“Chief Berrena has served the citizens of the Centre Region as an Alpha Fireman for over 20 years. He began his career as a firefighter in 2003 and has since served in various capacities, including rescue lieutenant, rescue captain, engine captain and trustee on two occasions,” American Legion Post 245 said in a statement.
“Most impressively, he has served in a chief position for over 15 years. Chief Berrena has been the chief responsible for the readiness of all aspects of the fire company for the past two years. During 2024 alone, the Alpha Fire Company responded to 1,429 alarms. That averages about four calls a day, every day, 365 days a year.
“In addition to emergency response, Chief Berrena has lead fire service support for all Penn State home games from the Beaver Stadium command post and coordinated support for other major events, including last October’s visit by candidate, now President, Donald Trump.”
Brian Greene, a Ferguson Township police officer for the last three years, was recognized as the Post 245 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Before joining the Ferguson Township Police Department, Greene worked for the Lock Haven City Police Department and is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.
“In 2024, Officer Greene handled 287 calls for service, conducted 531 traffic stops, issued 74 traffic citations and made 37 criminal arrests. He has dedicated many extra hours to cover shifts, work extra details for DUI and traffic enforcement and assisted Penn State during football games outside of his regular responsibility of his normal scheduled shift,” American Legion Post 245 said in the statement.
“Officer Greene exemplifies the qualities of a role model within the department and has performed exceptionally well in ensuring the safety of the residents of Ferguson Township and the surrounding areas.”
Winners of the local Post 245 contest for the Department of Pennsylvania American Legion Essay Scholarship were also recognized at the event. The essay contest allows for students to showcase their writing skills through originality, accuracy and research while emphasizing the rewards of good citizenship.
More than $500,000 in scholarships have been awarded since 1935.
Middle school students compete at the local level while high schoolers can advance to the district, regional and state levels. At Post 245, $2,000 is awarded each year for the local essay contest.
The topic for the high school contest this year was “Is the American Dream Still Relevant Today?” Stephen Fowler won $1,000, Anne Yingling won $500 and Augustine Clement won $300. Fowler’s essay won the district competition and will now go on to compete for the Western Pennsylvania Regional title.
The middle schoolers’ topic was “Can Social Media Affect Someone’s Life?” Charis Turay won $300, John Patrick won $200 and Mae Clement won $100.
All the winning essays are displayed at the American Legion Post 245.
The essay topics for next year will be released this September. High school essays will be due to Post 245 by the first week of January 2026, and the middle school essays will be due by first week of February 2026.
