Delaware State Police
Annual Memorial Services

In Valor There Is Hope

2016 Service

December 5th, 2016 at Saint Polycarp Parish Roman Catholic Church, Smyrna, Delaware the DSP honored their Fallen Heroes with their annual Memorial Service. The service was opened with the DSP Pipes and Drums escorting the Clergy, DSP Chaplains and Honor Guard Units from Delaware, Pennsylvania and the Virginia State Police. Master Corporal Jeff Hale led the service introducing State Attorney General Matt Denn, Secretary of Homeland Security James N. Mosley, DSP Commander Colonel Nathaniel McQueen, Jr., Delaware State Troopers Association Representative Sergeant Walter Newton, , President of Concerns of Police Survivors, Delaware Chapter Mrs. Eleanor Allione, and Retired Major Ed Martin as guest speakers. Major Melissa Zebley placed the Campaign Hat followed by Major Galen Purcell calling the roll of our Heroes and giving each family an opportunity to place a long stemmed red-rose next to the hat to honor their loved one who made the ultimate sacrifice. Taps were played by Senior Corporal Jonathon E. Packard and DSP Chaplains blessed the St. Michael's Medals, a symbol of God's protection for law enforcement. The service came to a close as the audience sang America the Beautiful and the DSP Pipes and Drums played the Recession.

 

2014 Service

Captain Jennifer Griffin and Cpl. Jason Hatchell salue after the placing fo the campaign hat, which symbolizes the hat all Delaware State Trooopers wear, during the annual memorial service at St. Polycarp Church, Smyrna, DE.

Photo by Ben Mace - December 1, 2014

The Delaware State Police honored the 28 State Police officers who have died while serving and to give thanks that no officer has died while serving in 2014 during the annual memorial service at St. Polycarp Church in Smyrna.

The Most Reverend Francis Malooly, Bishop of Wilmington, said the selected readings from the Bible during the service highlighted remembrance, living for today, and looking forward.

"Today we remember not only those who gave their lives but all of you who put on the uniform," said Bishop Malooly. "We are grateful for your service."

He said the Lord calls us to live out this life well because "each of us is called to our heavenly gift on God's clock."

Gov. Jack Markell said it's often easy to overlook the commitment that police officers make, and that's why this memorial service is so important.

"I want to express the incredible sense of gratitude for the immeasurable contributions of our law enforcement community," said Markell. "You have no hesitation to put yourself in harm's way."

He said the annual memorial service is one way to keep alive the names of the troopers who have given their lives in the line of duty and to inspire a new generation.

"To all the families of the fallen, we offer our thanks and our deepest sympathies," said Markell.

State Police Superintendent Col. Nathaniel McQueen Jr. said the agency has been blessed to have no line of duty deaths in 2014; however, three troopers were struck by gunfire in the line of duty.

He said across the United States, 106 officers were killed in the line of duty so far this year.

Along with the Delaware State Police who died in the line of duty through the years, the officers throughout the U.S. who died this year "are heroes who were taken from everything they loved. They were sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, and mothers and fathers."

McQueen said the participation in today's ceremony of law enforcement officers from neighboring states symbolizes the unity the Delaware State Police have with all police officers who serve.

Eleanor Allione, the president of the Delaware Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors, said she will always miss her daughter who died in the line of duty.

"The pain never goes away," she said. "You just continue to walk the journey."

Allione said this Thanksgiving was particularly difficult, but then she took time to reflect and pray.

"I came to the realization I have much to be thankful for," she said. "While her chair is empty now, I can be thankful that it wasn't always that way."

During the heroes roll call, the families of the fallen could place a rose on the table that held the campaign hat, a symbol of the hat worn by all Delaware State Troopers.

One by one the names were read of the following Delaware State Police officers who have died while serving:

Patrolman Francis Ryan
Sgt. Thomas H. Lamb
Trooper Paul H. Sherman
Cpl. Leroy L. Lekites
Cpl. James D. Orvis
Cpl. Raymond B. Wilhelm
Trooper William F. Mayer
Trooper First Class Harold B. Rupert
Trooper Robert A. Paris
Col. Eugene B. Ellis
Trooper Terrance S. Truitt
Trooper William C. Keller
Trooper Ronald L. Carey
Trooper David C. Yarrington
Trooper George W. Emory
Trooper Richard W. Mears
Trooper Richard B. Hudson Jr.
Lt. William I. Jearman
Cpl. David B. Pulling
Trooper Kevin J. Mallon
Trooper Gerard T. Dowd
Cpl. Robert H. Bell
Cpl. Francis T. Schneible
Trooper Sandra M. Wagner
Cpl. Frances M. Collender
Cpl. Ronald G. Williams
Cpl. Christopher M. Shea
Cpl. Antonio DiAlessandro

The service was also a time of remembrance for the retired Delaware State Troopers who have passed away this year.

 

The Delaware State Police Pipes & Drums led the ceremony's processional and recessional to close the ceremony, and also played the hymn "Amazing Grace" during the service.

 

 

 

Also included as an integral part of the Museum is the Memorial Wall dedicated to the Troopers who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice for public safety.

Delaware State Trooper Memorial Wall

The Delaware State Police Memorial is located on the DSP Headquarters complex
within walking distance of the museum.