On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Dave Wilson ‘88 welcomed retired Redford Township Police Captain Al DiPrima as a guest speaker in his Contemporary Social Issues class. Captain DiPrima, who now serves as Catholic Central’s Director of Security, brought with him over 27 years of law enforcement experience, sharing stories, lessons, and wisdom gained from his career.

His service included roles in Road Patrol, the Mutual Aid Task Force, the Special Investigations Bureau (Narcotics), and as a Field Training Officer, Driving Instructor, and member of the Perimeter Rifle Team. Over the course of his career, he rose through the ranks, serving as Sergeant, Lieutenant, and finally Captain before retiring in 2023.

While his professional background was impressive, it was his candor and vulnerability that resonated most with the students. His purpose, he explained, was simple: “to inspire and prepare the next generation.”

Lessons in Service, Integrity, and Accountability

Captain DiPrima emphasized that the core mission of policing and life comes down to three things: service, integrity, and accountability.

• “Your reputation takes years to build and only seconds to lose.”
• “Do the right thing, especially when no one is watching.”
• “If you don’t have an outlet for the things you see, it’s going to eat you up on the inside.”

He spoke honestly about the realities of law enforcement: unpredictability, stress, trauma exposure, and the challenge of balancing safety with empathy. He stressed the importance of teamwork, professional development, and mental wellness, noting that seeking help is a strength, not a weakness.

A Personal Story of Resilience

DiPrima also shared personal struggles, including the loss of his father in 2018, a police officer himself who inspired him to join the force and how it took him time to find his footing again. He spoke of the importance of family, noting that while he is proud to be a protector, he is equally proud to be a loving husband and father.

He urged students to deal with their feelings in healthy ways rather than turning to drugs or alcohol, reminding them that even officers who appear strong on the outside can face challenges. “Talking to other men has helped me,” he said, explaining that he encourages his own son to express his feelings openly.

A Message That Resonated

Students listened closely as DiPrima shared both uplifting and difficult moments from his career, and they engaged during the Q&A at the end, asking thoughtful questions about policing. He encouraged them to focus on education, character, and daily choices, reminding them that now is the best time to decide what kind of man they want to become.

“Life is all about growth. So many people are stagnant, miserable, they don’t want to do anything. I’m far from perfect. It took me 40 years to figure out life. But every day, you make the choice to do the right thing and never stop working at it.”

DiPrima’s words were powerful because they balanced toughness with compassion, showing students that you can still be tough and a family man. 

Final Takeaways

Captain DiPrima left the students with three key lessons that apply far beyond law enforcement:

• Service: commit to something greater than yourself.
• Integrity: build trust through actions, not words.
• Accountability: remember that every decision has consequences.

In closing, he challenged the Shamrocks to reflect on who they want to be, what they want to stand for, and how they will treat others. His parting message was clear: “Build a sustainable life, mentally, physically, and spiritually, and never forget why you started your journey.”