Captain Paul Smentkowski

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 2009, staffing included an average of 30 uniformed troopers, three administrators, and two civilian staff members. First line supervision is key to the success of any organization. The supervision and leadership provided by Sergeants Bond, McCarthy, Parks, Nefosky, 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 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 16,399 service calls in 2009, a five percent increase over 2008. Troop 9 personnel were committed to addressing the aggressive driver in 2009. With a partnership with the Delaware Office of Highway Safety, efforts focused on the major thoroughfares including State Route, the 896/301 corridor and several routes in the southwestern portion of the county. During 2009, troopers generated a total of 14,129 traffic arrests, including 9,641 aggressive driving related arrests and 253 DUI arrests. There was a 2% increase in the total crashes from the previous year including two additional fatal crashes in the Troop 9 service Area. Troopers made a total of 1,125 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. TFC Nicholas Shovlin was Troop 9’s top traffic performer. Cpl/3 Raymond Shatley was Troop 9’s top seatbelt enforcer. TFC. Robert Downer, Cpl/1 Leonard Aguilar and Cpl. Thomas Gaul were Troop 9’s top DUI enforcers. Cpl/1 Sean O’Leary, TFC Robert Downer, Cpl. Antoine Deloach, TFC James Agnor and TFC Nicholas Shovlin were Troop 9’s top criminal performers.

Many of the initiatives and operations throughout 2009 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 2009 DSP Annual Report -