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Department of Safety and Homeland Security : Delaware State Police

DELAWARE STATE POLICE TROOP 1




Captain Melissa Zebley

The “First Troop in the First State” has been an icon, located at the top of Penny Hill since 1923. The fraternity of Penny Hillers has a rich history of tradition and outstanding public service. The forty-four troopers currently assigned to Troop One performed diligently during this past year to provide professional and compassionate public service to an increasingly diverse population. This diversity spans from Wilmington to Claymont, and Brandywine Hundred to Centreville. The patrol area also includes two interstate highways, as well as the Concord Pike corridor, which has become a regional Retail Mecca and the site of the world-wide headquarters for Astra Zeneca.

Since the fall of 2003, Troop 1 crime fighting and prevention efforts have been directed by Lieutenant Michael Eisenhardt. He has targeted areas of high criminal activity and focused on repeat criminal offenders, all while maintaining vigilance on homeland security. In January, the Claymont Drug Initiative was formed by teaming Corporal Dave Diana with New Castle County Police Officer Rand Townley for the first quarter of the calendar year to address quality of life issues in the Claymont area. The Claymont area is in the midst of a revitalization project which includes new construction projects as well as restoration to existing structures. This once run down drug area accounted for a large portion of the average Troopers patrol time. A partnership was forged with the Claymont Renaissance Organization and during this temporary assignment, the officers investigated 70 drug related incidents and arrested 81 suspects for a total of 145 criminal charges. Their efforts led to the recovery of $995.00 in stolen property, as well as the seizure $13,310 in cash, three vehicles and eight firearms. The Troop One retail theft efforts were again spearheaded by Master Corporal Brian Mulvena and Senior Corporal William Murray. During the calendar year, these troopers investigated 585 complaints, arrested 378 suspects for a total of 1,043 criminal charges. They also seized $560.00 in counterfeit property, $672.00 in cash and recovered $86,995.98 in stolen property.

In April, Traffic Lieutenant William Alexander was promoted to the rank of Captain and reassigned to the headquarters complex as the Director of Traffic. He was replaced by Lieutenant Michael Reader, who quickly assumed the highway safety reigns. The primary goal of enhancing law enforcement visibility along our roadways in an effort to deter aggressive driving and keep our law abiding citizens safe was formed. This endeavor proved effective as traffic arrests increased and fatal crashes decreased for the second straight year in a row (2006-16, 2007-8 and 2008-5) in the Troop One patrol area. Although it is impossible to predict when the actions of a drunk driver or speeding motorist are going to result in a crash, it is reasonable to believe that this high visibility/zero-tolerance philosophy played a major role in the decrease of fatal accidents. This was indeed a true team effort which included the Troop administration as well as cooperation from the road Troopers.

On Friday, July 11, 2008, Penny Hillers enjoyed a night with the Blue Rocks at Frawley Stadium, as the team played the Potomac Nationals. The event was coordinated with the Blue Rocks organization and was used as a venue to announce the Troop 1 Award winners. The award recipients were as follows: Troop 1 Trooper of the year- Cpl. David Diana, Traffic Ace- Trooper Joseph Joannides, DUI Ace- Trooper John Day, and Crime Fighting Ace- Trooper David May. In addition, for the first time in our history, the Trooper Ronald L. Carey Award was awarded to Cpl. Marty McWilliams. This award was established by the troop administration for the trooper who displays integrity, leadership, teamwork, and pride while executing the duties of a state trooper. Sergeant Mark DiJiacomo was also recognized for responding quickly to a scene where an 80 year old man had become unresponsive. Sergeant DiJiacomo used the skills he possessed from training in basic first aid and CPR to save the victim’s life.

Due to the hard work and professionalism of Troop 1 personnel, 2008 has proved to be a productive and successful year. The men and women of Penny Hill sincerely appreciate the active support of a concerned community in helping us to meet the challenges of the past year. Our citizens can be assured that we will continue to build upon our relationships by providing professional police services with concern and compassion, as we have done since 1923.

- Information obtained from 2008 DSP Annual Report -

Last Updated: Monday, 02-Nov-2009 13:32:57 EST
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