Delaware State Police Troop 4, located on US Route 113 in Georgetown, encompasses a 335 square mile service area, covering the south central and eastern corridor of Sussex County. Troop 4 houses both criminal investigators and uniformed patrol personnel. The criminal investigation units are responsible for investigating all significant and/or serious crimes committed throughout the entire county. During 2005, Troop 4 was staffed by approximately 68 sworn personnel comprised of patrol officers, criminal investigators, school resource officers, DARE officers, Governor’s Task Force members, and administrators as well as three civilians. In April 2005, Captain Timothy E. Winstead assumed command at Troop 4 following the retirement of Captain Daryl R. Mergenthaler.
In 2005, Sussex County’s population continued to increase dramatically resulting in a proportionate increase in demands for police services by Troop 4 personnel. Troop 4 patrol troopers continued to be at the forefront of proactive and reactive law enforcement. During 2005, patrol personnel made 9,453 traffic arrests and 418 driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs arrests. Additionally, patrol troopers handled over 11,300 traffic and criminal complaints and made 2,008 criminal arrests. Troop 4’s criminal investigators made 4,785 criminal arrests and recovered approximately $146,262 worth of stolen property. Troop 4 personnel continued to solve crime and produce remarkable clearance rates, which far surpassed the national averages in both major crimes and property crimes. Detectives investigated over 2,895 cases in 2005.
Troop 4 was instrumental in developing the School Resource Officer (SRO) program in Sussex County. Since the mid 1990’s, this program continued to impact the lives of children and their families, by addressing concerns at pivotal and developmental ages. The program includes all school districts in Sussex County, encompassing 40 schools. DARE Officers taught in 20 elementary schools. Youth Aid Division members were also responsible for security during the Senior League Girls World Series Softball Tournament held in August at the Lower Sussex Little League complex located in Roxana. Teams from across the country, as well as, from Canada, the Netherlands, Puerto Rico and the Philippines were in attendance.
Members of the Governor’s Task Force (GTF) continued to serve the entire Sussex County community, working closely with the Division’s Special Investigations Unit. During 2005, GTF seized firearms, currency and a significant quantity or illegal drugs destined for area communities. The unit handled 226 cases and made a total of 623 criminal arrests. They seized 129 grams of cocaine, 310 grams of crack cocaine, 8 grams of heroin, and 2,014 grams of marijuana. Additionally, the team seized in excess of $15,000 in suspected drug proceeds. The unit worked in known high drug and crime areas, and was called upon to assist with several significant multi-jurisdictional crime sweeps.
Numerous troopers were recognized for their outstanding performance both at the Troop and Division level during the year. Cpl. Anthony L. Alimenti was selected as the Troop 4 patrol Trooper of the Year in recognition of his productivity and exemplary investigative efforts. Cpl. John Evans and TFC Jeff Hudson were also recognized for their outstanding productivity and received the Troop 4 Exceptional Performance Award.
The Divisional Exceptional Performance Award was earned by Troop 4 members: Corporal/1 Charles Condon, Corporal/1 John S. Evans, Corporal Mark Justice, Detective Rex Mears, Detective John Messick, Sergeant Bernard Miller, Detective Alan T. Seeney, TFC Kristopher Thompson, Corporal Frank Treska, Detective Robert Truitt, Detective Brendan Warner, Detective Gerald Windish, and Corporal Mark Windsor.
Troop 4 continued its longstanding tradition of facilitating Division programs at Camp Barnes. From its existence in 1947, the Camp has provided deserving youth with the opportunity to experience life at a traditional summer camp, with the hope of reducing and eliminating juvenile crime and delinquency. In July, the 33rd Annual Camp Barnes Stock Car Race was held at Delmar International Speedway. Under the direction of Master Corporal Preston Lewis, over $40,000.00 was raised for Camp Barnes. The race featured drivers from several states.
During the summer of 2005, Camp Barnes, under the direction of Master Corporal Brendan Warner, continued its tradition of providing children between the ages of 10-13 to attend the Camp free of charge. The Camp runs for six weeks during the summer months and is staffed by troopers from throughout the state.
Troop 4 personnel continue to maintain steadfast in their commitment to the Delaware State Police mission of “providing the citizens and visitors of Delaware with professional, competent and compassionate law enforcement services.” The year proved to be very productive for both patrol and criminal investigative units and the men and women at Troop 4 look forward to the many new challenges they face during the upcoming year.
