DELAWARE STATE POLICE HONOR GUARD
Captain Jason H. Sapp
The DSP Honor Guard Unit currently consists of 58 active
members statewide. In order to participate in the Honor
Guard, troopers must demonstrate sound character, good
military bearing, exceptional maintenance of their uniforms
and be willing to give their time to represent the Division.
In 2009, the Honor Guard conducted six training sessions and
recruited several new members.
In 2009, the Honor Guard Unit participated in 33 events. The
unit participated in DSP annual memorial service events in
May at the DSP Academy and Legislative Hall, and in December
during the St. Polycarp’s Memorial Mass. In addition, the
unit participated in several other events sponsored by the
Division, including ceremonies, conferences, graduations,
and a service in Delaware County, Pennsylvania recognizing
fallen police officers. The unit also participated in 22
funerals, including the services of 14 retired DSP members:
Colonel John Ferguson, Captain Forrest Purdy, Cpl. Bill
Zook, Lt. Wesley Short, Lt. Robert Franklin Stuart, Cpl.
Robert Bergstrom, Lt. Charles E. Parker, Captain Tom
Everett, Captain Charles Skinner, Sgt. Donald Long, Cpl
Richard P. Schueler, Sgt. John Boyer, Captain Wallace
Townsend, and Cpl Richard Santobianco. Honor Guard members
traveled to attend the services of Philadelphia Police
Officer John Pawlowski and Pennsylvania State Trooper Joshua
Miller, who were both killed in the line of duty in 2009.
In September 2009, the DSP Honor Guard was requested to
oversee the funeral services of slain Georgetown Police
Department Officer Chad Spicer. Honor Guard members quickly
assembled and conducted training with police agencies from
around the state in order to honor our fallen brother. The
service culminated in the use of 35 different Delaware
police agencies serving in casket watch, color guard, rifle
volley, and pall bearer duties. It was a fitting tribute to
Officer Spicer and the Georgetown Police Department.
- Information obtained from 2009 DSP
Annual Report -
