We're grateful to the Troopers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the month of October

 

 

Paul H. Sherman
1909-1945
Trooper First Class Paul H. Sherman, a six year veteran of the Delaware State Police, was fatally injured in a collision with a Baltimore and Ohio Railroad passenger train on October 16, 1945. He was pulled from the wreckage and rushed to the Wilmington General Hospital where he expired. Trooper Sherman was born August 7, 1909 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. He studied law at Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania and business at Columbia University in New York City prior to becoming a member of the state police. At the time of his death Trooper Sherman was married to Margaret Elizabeth. The couple had two children, James Henry and Sandra Lee. The funeral for Paul Sherman was held at the Hearn Funeral Home and with full honors his body was laid to rest at Gracelawn Memorial Park, New Castle, Delaware.

 

Robert A. Paris
1935-1963
Some kids dream of becoming star athletes but Robert Paris’ childhood dream was to be a state policeman. “He wanted to join the State Police ever since he was a child” relates his dad, Ralph Paris. The dream came true. Robert Paris joined the State Police on May 1, 1959. On October 17, 1963, Detective Robert Paris made the supreme sacrifice – he gave his life. Assigned with Trooper Robert Forenski to investigate the burglary of television sets from motels on the DuPont Highway in New Castle, Delaware, Trooper Paris was murdered by three armed perpetrators. The entire state of Delaware was shocked by this senseless tragedy. The following statement was issued by the Governor’s office concerning Robert Paris’ death: The death of Robert Paris is a misfortune of the greatest magnitude…Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family and friends of this dedicated and courageous man who gave his life in the line of duty. Mourners by the thousand paid tribute to Trooper Paris at his funeral at St. Elizabeth’s Church. Father Karnis began the eulogy “It is a divine command that men shall return to their maker…Trooper Paris died while serving as an instrument of Almighty God in keeping law and order. Policemen know what this job means and they love it as Trooper Paris did…” Robert Paris was interred for eternity in the All Saints Cemetery Wilmington, Delaware. Those who knew him characterize Trooper Paris as a hard worker with a good sense of humor. “He was always smiling ear to ear…” Neighbors stated, at the time of his death, “…Everyone loved him…He was always getting the boys in the neighborhood to play ball or something…” Trooper Paris was survived by his wife, Sally Ann, and two daughters Kim and Beth. Kim is a graduate of the University of Delaware and is now Kim Paris Stitik. She has two children, Paul and Hunter. Beth Glyn Paris is a graduate of St. Francis School of Medical Technology and is employed by Dade International.

 

Museum Opens New Exhibit Detailing 1979 Lambertson Murder Case

On Tuesday, June 1, 2021, the Delaware State Police Museum revealed its new exbibit which detailed the events surrounding the Lambertson Murder Case and included the renown execution of the convicted murder Billy Bailey.

On May, 21, 1979, Bailey tragically shot and murdered Clara and Gilbert Lambertson inside of their home located just north of Dover. Bailey was a habitual offender who was facing possible life in prison for a recent check forgery conviction. On this date, Bailey committed an armed robbery of a local liquor store before traveling to the Lamberston’s residence. Shortly after the murders, Delaware State Police responded and canvassed the area for Bailey. Delaware State Police Aviation located Bailey fleeing on foot. As the helicopter was hovering close to the ground, a trooper pilot jumped from the aircraft and gave chase. Bailey fired a gunshot towards the pursuing trooper, but missed and was ultimately tackled and taken into custody.

Following a successful trial, Bailey was sentenced the death penalty. Bailey refused the option of dying by lethal injection and instead opted to be hanged. On January 25, 1996, Billy Bailey was the first to be hanged in Delaware since 1946 and only the third in the United States since 1965.
The Delaware State Police Museum located at 1425 North DuPont Highway, Dover, DE, 19901, is open and visitors are welcome. Our hours of operation are 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday and the first Saturday of the month, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM. We are closed on Federal Holidays. If you have questions, please call 302-739-7700.

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A Memorial Tribute to our Fallen Heroes

 

Click here to view a Memorial Tribute to our Fallen Heroes.
Those who gave the ultimate sacrifice - their life.

 

 

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