Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel Melissa Zebley

Kent County’s Cornerstone – Troop 3

Date Posted: Tuesday, July 25th, 2023

Delaware State Police Troop 3 has been a community cornerstone in Kent County since its inception in 1924. It was originally a simple frame building located at the intersection of Leipsic Road and Dupont Highway one mile north of Dover. By 1930, Troop 3 sworn personnel consisted of one lieutenant, one sergeant, and eight “privates,” who would later be retitled as troopers.

In 1935, the Sesqui Inn, located on Dupont Highway north of Dover, was remodeled to expand the work capacity of “Station Three,” as Troop 3 was then called. A set of 30 ton scales was installed on the property, and a plot of land located behind the main building was set aside for future use as a firearms range.

In February 1975, the new Troop 3 building opened on US Route 13A (Upper King Road) between Camden and Woodside. This building had a basement assembly area where troopers could write reports, draw work assignments, and complete shift change and pass-on. The first floor contained offices, special equipment rooms, and six holding cells.

The current Troop 3 building opened its doors in December 2015. The 31,000 square foot facility is located at 3759 South State Street in Camden and consists of interview rooms, holding cells, detention rooms, a fingerprinting area, an evidence processing and storage area, a large community room, patrol trooper rooms, a workout center, and a four-bay garage.

Today, Troop 3 is home to nearly 100 sworn personnel, which includes both patrol troopers and detectives. “Troop 3 has a distinguished and unique history serving the citizens and visitors of Delaware and the residents of Kent County,” says Captain Gerald Windish, Troop 3 Commander. “As the only Delaware State Police Troop physically located in Kent County, Troop 3 has developed a culture of service and dedication amongst the troopers who have the distinction of serving here. The patrol and investigative functions assigned to Troop 3 maintain an operational tempo that is a testament to the pride and dedication of it’s Troopers. It has been my honor to serve with the men and women here as Troop Commander and become part of the Troop 3 legacy.”