In 1923, Troop 1 became the “First Troop in the First State.” Troop 1 personnel continue to be pioneers and an essential part of the community and the Delaware State Police efforts to enhance the quality of life and ensure public safety for the Citizens of the First State. Located in historic Penny Hill, Troop 1 is responsible for over 58.8 square miles of northern New Castle County. In 2005, Troop 1 personnel, assisted by RECOM staff received approximately 31,863 calls for service.

In 2005, Troop 1 personnel included an average of 35 uniformed troopers, three administrators, four civilian staff members, one cadet and two civilian volunteers including one college intern. In addition, the Fatal Accident Investigation Reconstruction Team for New Castle County is located at Troop 1’s satellite facility (Troop 1A) in the Brandywine Town Center.

Troop 1 began 2005 with a change of command as Captain Dennis Doubet retired after more than three decades of dedicated service and Captain Nathaniel McQueen Jr. assumed command in April. Despite personnel changes, population trends, changes in criminal behavior, and technological advancements, Troop 1 personnel dedicated themselves to maintaining public safety and maintaining community partnerships. Troopers’ activities and major accomplishments continue to demonstrate their commitment to service.

In 2005, Troop 1 crime fighting and crime prevention efforts resulted in a seven percent reduction in robberies, an eight percent reduction in assaults, and a 17 percent reduction in thefts. The Troop 1 community experienced an overall 5 percent reduction in Part A crimes. Coordinated by Criminal Lieutenant Michael Eisenhardt, Troop 1 personnel continued to focus on homeland security and crime prevention with several initiatives.

Troop 1 traffic patrols, coordinated by Traffic Lieutenant Gary Kresge, focused on reducing overall accidents and fatalities. However, the year began with many challenges. After experiencing a spike in fatal accidents in 2003, Troopers were challenged to make our roadways even safer. Along with several statewide units, Troop 1 troopers continued to make our highways safer through education, engineering improvements, and aggressive patrol tactics by working with the Department of Transportation and the Office of Highway Safety. Troopers’ enforcement efforts targeted dangerous moving violations, aggressive driving, drunk driving and the recently enacted primary seatbelt law.

Despite continued growth in motor vehicle traffic, fatality rates remained consistent with 2004 rates when fatalities were reduced by 48 percent from 2003. Although personal injury accidents increased slightly, alcohol-related accidents decreased by 4 percent. Troop personnel also worked proactively and issued over 15,135 traffic citations. Troopers’ emphasis on dangerous moving violations resulted in 8,129 citations and 1,035 primary seatbelt violations.

Throughout the year, troopers remained committed to enhancing community partnerships. In 2005, Troopers continued to exchange ideals and improve communications at monthly community meetings. Troopers participated in annual events such as the Delaware Special Olympics Torch Run, Bowl for Gold, the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Run and The Relay for Life. Troop 1 personnel also contribute to the A.I. DuPont Children’s Hospital visits, The Claymont Green Days’ as well as the annual Winterthur Point-to-Point steeple chase conducted in May.

Another successful year can be attributed to outstanding community partnerships and to the hard work and dedication of Troop 1 supervisors and personnel. Several troopers should also be recognized for their exceptional performance in 2005. Corporal Jason Walker earned the Troop’s Traffic Ace Award and Corporal Darnell Huynh was recognized as the Troop’s DUI Ace for his consistent enforcement of drunken driving laws. Corporal Sean O’Leary received the Troop’s Criminal Investigator of the Year Award for his criminal enforcement and outstanding investigations. This year, Corporal Jerold Huber was recognized as the Troop 1 Trooper of the Year. His positive outlook and his continued dedication to service make him vital to the overall success of the troop.

There were several other exemplary performances by Troop 1 personnel. Distinguished acts of courage and heroic lifesaving efforts resulted in several troopers being honored.

Master Corporal Ralph Thomas received a Valor Award, Trooper First Class David Diana and Master Corporal Daniel McColgan received a Superintendent’s Citation, Corporal/1 Richard Deskis, Trooper First Class David Diana, Corporal Damian Fuscellaro and Corporal Sean O’Leary earned a Exceptional Performance Award and Corporal Michael Campbell, Trooper Joseph Joannides, Trooper Theodore Stipa, and Corporal Tony Torres received a Life Saving Award.

Troop 1 personnel continue to strive to maintain safe communities, effectively manage community expectations and to efficiently use our resources. It is through community- wide partnerships, leadership, and the dedication to service that Troop 1 will continue to fight crime and be successful in maintaining safer communities in the “First State.”