Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William Crotty

99th Delaware State Police and 95th Municipal Recruit Class Graduation

Date Posted: Wednesday, March 15th, 2023

Colonel Melissa Zebley, the Superintendent of the Delaware State Police, announces the graduation ceremonies for the 99th Delaware State Police and 95th Municipal Recruit Class. The graduation ceremony was held at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 9th, 2023, at Dover High School. The ceremonies recognized and commemorated the successful completion of the Delaware State Police Training Academy and consisted of 13 Delaware State Troopers and 6 Municipal Officers representing the Bethany Beach Police Department, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control- Division of Parks and Recreation, University of Delaware Police Department, Middletown Police Department, and Smyrna Police Department.

99th/95th

Dignitaries who addressed the class:

Governor John Carney

Attorney General Kathy Jennings

Secretary Nathaniel McQueen Jr.

Colonel Melissa Zebley

Class Speaker:

Officer Gregory Contorno, Bethany Beach Police Department

Class Awards:

Trooper Jai’Rae Hammond (DSP) – Physical Fitness Award

Awarded to the Recruit that demonstrated outstanding overall excellence in Physical Fitness during training

Trooper Mitchell Leslie (DSP) – Outstanding Proficiency in Police Firearms Award

Awarded to the Delaware State Police Recruit that demonstrated the highest proficiency in marksmanship and dedication to the art of shooting

Officer Samuel Jester (UDPD) – Outstanding Proficiency in Police Firearms Award

Awarded to the Municipal Recruit that demonstrated the highest proficiency in marksmanship and dedication to the art of shooting

Officer Lori Ferguson (DNREC P&R) – DSP Law Enforcement Core Values Award

Awarded to the Recruit that most exemplified the spirit of the Academy’s Core Values of Honor, Integrity, Courage, Loyalty, Attitude, Discipline, and Service