Change was the key concept for Troop 9 during 2005. The Troop’s territory grew to encompass more area north of the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal. With continued retail and residential expansion in the Middletown, Odessa, and Townsend areas, Troop 9 has had to adapt new strategies for combating crime and traffic challenges. There were also numerous personnel movements, as Troop 9 welcomed two new administrators, two new sergeants, and other troopers transferred throughout the year.
Located in historic Odessa, Troop 9 continues its dedicated service to the citizens and visitors of southern New Castle County. Troop 9 is responsible for well over 200 square miles of patrol area, extending from the Kent County line to about half way between the C & D Canal and US 40. Patrol coverage also includes all of Delaware Route 1 in New Castle County and the Christiana Mall.
In 2005, Troop 9 staffing included an average of 30 uniformed troopers, three administrators, and three civilian staff members. Under the leadership of Captain James Paige, Troop 9 managed 18,802 service calls, significantly increasing from 15,905 in 2004. With this growth, Troop 9 continued to focus on the security of critical infrastructures, as well as areas of higher criminal activity. Troopers at Troop 9 handled an 11% increase in complaints, and generated a 14% increase in DUI arrests, a 13.5% increase in traffic arrests, and a 9% increase in criminal arrests. The increases resulted from individual contributions, shift teamwork, and various operations throughout the year.
Enveloping the Middletown/Odessa/Townsend area, Troop 9’s territory is one of the fastest growing areas in the state, bringing more vehicles to the roadways than ever before. Troop 9 has maintained SR 1 and the 896/301 corridor as areas of priority enforcement. Troop 9 troopers directed their enforcement efforts toward “The Big Three:” DUI, seatbelt compliance and speed/aggressive driving enforcement.
On November 11, Troop 9 arranged a 20-hour Veterans’ Day Traffic Blitz to honor active and retired military personnel by keeping our local highways safe for them, their families, and their neighbors. Utilizing 37 troopers from throughout the state -- mostly school resource and DARE officers, the blitz generated 246 traffic arrests. During that operation, there were no traffic fatalities or alcohol-related injuries, which were also primary goals for the day.
Troop 9 finished the year holding the lead as the troop with the highest seatbelt enforcement in the state. Troop 9 cited 2,133 for failing to properly buckle up and another 2,782 with secondary assessments for traveling unbelted while committing another motor vehicle offense.
Many of the initiatives and operations throughout 2005 were successful because of community involvement. The Troop 9 administration has remained active in Odessa and Townsend, reporting on criminal and traffic enforcement monthly at town council meetings, and availing themselves for questions, remarks or problem-solving. Participating in these meetings has continued a strong rapport with town officials and has affirmed the approachability of the Delaware State Police to the town citizens.
Exemplary performances by individuals at Troop 9 throughout the year contributed to the cumulative outstanding results. Cpl. John Penrod was named 2004 Trooper of the Year for the entire Division of State Police at the April 2005 ceremony. Cpl/2 Theodore Harach, Cpl. Stanley Jiminez, and Cpl/1 Charles Sawchenko were named as the Troop 9 Troopers of the Quarter, with TFC Joshua Giddings and TFC Antoine DeLoach sharing the honors for the fourth quarter. For the fourth consecutive year, Cpl. John Penrod earned the Troop 9 DUI Ace Award, leading the troop with 32 DUI arrests. Cpl. Melissa Ivans received the Troop’s Traffic Ace Award for outstanding efforts, with 925 traffic arrests for the year. Cpl/1 R. Douglas Shatley led the troop in seatbelt arrests with a total of 186. TFC Antoine DeLoach received the Troop’s Criminal Investigator of the Year Award for his self-initiated investigations. Cpl/2 Erik Lochstoer earned the troop’s Leadership Award. For their overall exceptional service, Cpl/1 R. Douglas Shatley and Cpl. Melissa Ivans shared the Troop 9 Trooper of the Year Award.
As the community continues to grow, the dedicated men and women of Troop 9 will adapt to the area’s needs for service with pride, loyalty, excellence, and professionalism.
