DELAWARE STATE POLICE EXECUTIVE PROTECTION UNIT

Sergeant Robert Kracyla

The primary mission of the Executive Protection Unit (EPU) is to provide security for the Governor against assassination, assault and accidental death or injury. Additionally, the EPU is tasked with: Coordinating Governor’s schedule, advance locations and routes of future sites and investigate threats against the Governor. EPU also is a liaison with other state and federal agencies in order to maximize the safety and efficiency of the Governor’s travel.

Currently the Executive Protection Unit is staffed by a total of five Troopers, one Sergeant in the position of NCOIC and four Troopers supporting the unit’s mission.

Effective the last selection process, the EPU detail was expanded to five Troopers to compensate for an increased tactical presence while providing security to the Governor and The First Family. The Executive Protection Unit currently assigned to Governor Markell and his family consists of the following members: Sgt. Robert Kracyla, NCOIC, Cpl/3 Jim Rossi, Cpl/3 Henry Speed, Cpl/2 Andrea Boone and Cpl/1 Melissa Ivans.

During 2009 the EPU was involved in numerous accomplishments and changes including:

• Completion of a 40 hour Executive Protection Unit training seminar instructed by the New Jersey State Police.
• Medical training for all members
• Elimination of Rental vehicles for Governor transport
• Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Training Courses
• Planning and coordination for the Presidential and the Governors Inauguration events.
• U.S. Mail Screening training for EPU and First Family
• Develop working relationships with U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Capitol Police, NYPD, Amtrak Police and numerous State Police agencies throughout the country
• Selected protective detail missions for the Lt. Governor and First Lady
• Extensive coordination with Secret Service members assigned to the Vice Presidential detail.
• The EPU has participated and interacted with President Obama’s detail on visits to the White House for meetings and official events.
• Participation in National Governors Association events locally and in Biloxi, Mississippi.

The Executive Protection Unit works diligently to provide Governor Markell, The First Lady and Family, Lt. Governor Denn and any other VIP a tactical mindset for survival and safety. EPU understands the mission of its duty and provides the highest level of security to all those charged to protect.
 

- Information obtained from 2009 DSP Annual Report -