Captain Galen Purcell

Troop 9, located in Odessa’s historic district, has been proudly serving the southern portion of New Castle County since 1971. Troopers assigned to Troop 9 continue their 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 State Route 1 in New Castle County and the Christiana Mall.

Enveloping the Middletown/Odessa/Townsend area, Troop 9’s territory is one of continued growth. With this growth has come additional traffic and crime. In 2008, staffing included an average of 29 uniformed troopers, three administrators, and three civilian staff members. First line supervision is key to the success of any organization. The supervision and leadership provided by Sergeants Bond, McCarthy, Peden and Samis enabled personnel to meet the mission of the Delaware State Police.

Troop 9 has maintained SR 1 and the 896/301 corridor as areas of priority enforcement, along with a number of primary rural thoroughfares. Troopers directed their enforcement efforts toward “The Big Three:” DUI, seatbelt and speed/aggressive driving enforcement. Troopers are responsible for the security of critical infrastructure along Delaware Route 9, the four bridges crossing the C&D Canal, and the Christiana Mall.

Troop 9 personnel managed 15,550 service calls in 2008, a two percent increase over 2007. Troop 9 personnel were committed to addressing the aggressive driver in 2008. With a partnership with the Delaware Office of Highway Safety, efforts focused on the major thoroughfares including State Route One, the 896/301 corridor and several routes in the southwestern portion of the county. During 2008, troopers generated a total of 15,695 traffic arrests, including 9,086 aggressive driving related arrests and 318 DUI arrests. Total crashes remained unchanged from 2007 with a slight reduction in fatal crashes. Troopers made a total of 1,397 criminal arrests. These totals were the result of individual contributions, shift teamwork, and various operations throughout the year.

Exemplary performances by individuals at Troop 9 throughout the year contributed to the cumulative outstanding results. Trooper Thomas Gaul, Trooper First Class Nicholas Shovlin and Cpl/3 Erik Lochstoer were Troop 9’s top traffic performers. Trooper First Class Nicholas Shovlin, Cpl/3 Daniel Oliphant and Trooper First Class James Agnor were Troop 9’s top seatbelt enforcers. Trooper First Class Thomas Gaul, Trooper First Class James Agnor and Trooper First Class Nicholas Shovlin were Troop 9’s top DUI enforcers. Corporal Antoine Deloach, Trooper First Class James Agnor and Trooper First Class Geoffrey Biddle were Troop 9’s top criminal performers.

Many of the initiatives and operations throughout 2008 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.

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.

- Information obtained from 2008 DSP Annual Report -