DELAWARE STATE POLICE Honor Guard
Lieutenant Paul H. Taylor
In 2006, the greatest responsibility and honor of the DSP Honor Guard Unit was to plan and perform at the funeral service for Senior Corporal Antonio DiAlessandro on November 2 in New Castle. Senior Corporal Antonio DiAlessandro was laid to rest after two lung transplants failed to win the battle against advanced lung disease. Over 30 members of the Honor Guard Unit assisted in the two-day funeral detail honoring Senior Corporal DiAlessandro.
In 2006, the unit participated in a total of 21 events. Ten of those events were funerals. Seven were for retired DSP members and three were for out of state troopers in Virginia and New York. Unit members also participated in 11 other events sponsored by the division such as DSP ceremonies, conferences and graduations.
The unit represented the division at two New York state troopers' funerals. The unit also attended the funeral of a Virginia State Police trooper who was killed in a motor vehicle accident.
In 2006, the Honor Guard Unit conducted six training sessions. The training consists of specific instruction at four different stations; color guard, pallbearers, rifle squad and general marching movements. The unit also attended the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Team's Evening Parade in Washington, D.C. on August 11, 2006. Through the assistance of one of the unit's members, the unit has been invited to train with the USMC Silent Drill Team in 2007.
In 2007 the unit participated in a total of 25 events. Nine of those events were funerals. Six were for retired DSP members, and three were for out of state police officers in West Virginia, New York and Pennsylvania. We also participated in 16 other events sponsored by the Division such as DSP ceremonies, conferences and graduations.
In 2007 the unit represented the Division at the funeral of Trooper David Brinkerhoff (New York State Police) who was shot and killed during a SWAT operation attempting to apprehend a suspect who had shot another New York trooper the day before. The unit also attended the funeral of Trooper Brian Linn (West Virginia State Police) who was killed in an automobile accident while on duty. Twelve members of the Honor Guard and ten other members of the Division attended the funeral of Officer Charles Cassidy (Philadelphia PD) who was shot and killed while doing a property check at a local business in the city.
In October the Division mourned the loss of Senator James (Jim) Vaughn who died after a long illness. Senator Vaughn who also retired from the Division as a Captain was a long time supporter of the State Police. Senator Vaughn was laid to rest at the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Smyrna on October 16, 2007 with full DSP honors.
The Honor Guard conducted 6 training sessions in 2007 and continues to recruit new members to the Unit. We are seeking troopers of sound character who represent themselves with a good military bearing, demonstrating exceptional maintenance of their uniforms and have a willingness to give their time to represent the Division.
The Honor Guard Unit currently consists of approximately 55 members statewide. The color guard is normally comprised of two flag bearers (US and Delaware) and two riflemen, unless it is a divisional function where the Colonel is present and then the divisional flag is added. For retirees' funerals, the Honor Guard Unit offers casket watch for the viewing, pallbearers for the ceremonial flag folding, a color guard detail for the cemetery, and a bugler for Taps. A funeral for a line of duty death would include the Rifle Team for a 21 gun salute.
