Delaware State Police Announce 2022 Trooper and Civilian Employee of the Year

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Sergeant India Sturgis

Released: 031623 2000

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With a Team, You’re Never Alone: Promoting Recovery Through PDP

The PDP Team

The PDP Team

The Delaware State Police have collaborated with the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to offer prompt and personal services for individuals experiencing mental health crises or substance abuse disorders. The three agencies developed a partnership and a program called the Delaware Police Diversion Program (PDP), which provides real-time intervention and diversion from the criminal justice system.

The program’s goals are to (1) provide access to recovery services for those with substance abuse disorders in order to decrease overdose fatalities; (2) provide immediate intervention services for those experiencing a mental health crisis; and (3) provide arrest diversion from the criminal justice system by participating in recovery mediation, leading to decreases in recidivism, calls for service, and drug-related crimes. When interacting with people who suffer from substance abuse or mental health disorders, sworn officers are now utilizing care managers, peers, and/or crisis intervention services to divert individuals from the criminal justice system. The program is not intended to hinder enforcement of the law but rather to seek alternatives to arrest when appropriate. The PDP facilitates the diversion of these individuals from the criminal justice system and into treatment, which is monitored and managed by DSAMH.

The PDP leadership team began its initial research into these intervention services in 2019. There was incremental implementation of the PDP program in 2020, and by 2022 it was fully implemented statewide. DSAMH care managers and peers were physically placed at DSP facilities so they could partner with troopers and offer immediate co-responder responses and services to the public. This partnership allows for timely follow-up services to be provided, such as additional education and treatment options. The program’s final phase focuses on arrest diversion, which coincides with specific criteria and processes aligned with court rulings and national best practices. In February 2022, the program was fully operational throughout Delaware, and it began offering these resources to every Delaware law enforcement agency that requests services.

As the PDP continues to evolve, the initial results have been astounding. Since the start of the program, Delaware State Police have made more than 1,200 referrals to DSAMH. As of June 2022, DSAMH care managers have contacted 631 referred individuals, with 236 accepting enrollments into the program (37% acceptance rate) and 187 (79%) admitted for further treatment. This exceeds the national acceptance rates of similar diversion programs by approximately 11%. The collaboration among these agencies has led to a program that positively impacts the lives of Delaware residents and visitors.

In May 2022, the PDP leadership team received the 2021 Governor’s Team Excellence & GEAR-P3 Innovation & Efficiency Award.

“We’ve advocated for law enforcement diversion programs for years because the justice system cannot be one-size-fits-all,” said Attorney General Jennings. “Behavioral health is an unavoidable part of the criminal justice landscape, to say nothing of the addiction epidemic’s impact on non-violent, low-level crime. In these cases, the best guarantee of long-term success — and the best guard against recidivism — can often be diversion, treatment, and recovery for eligible offenders. I’m proud that DOJ is a part of this partnership and applaud DSP and DSAMH for their commitment to this work.”

“This partnership with State Police and Department of Justice and DELJIS allows us to provide clinical and peer support services to people who are struggling with addiction. We often talk about wanting to ensure there is ‘no wrong door’ for people who need clinical services- and this program partnership is another way to meet people where they are and offer them treatment when they come into contact with law enforcement. The success rates so far indicate that many people are willing to ‘walk through the door’ when it’s offered and choose treatment,” said DSAMH Director Joanna Champney.

“The boundless dedication among all involved in the program’s creation and implementation demonstrate our shared mission of compassion and safety for all residents and visitors to Delaware. We are look forward to continuing this innovative work with our partner agencies and encourage any individual who wants information about the program to call or respond to any DSP Troop,” said Superintendent of the Delaware State Police Melissa A. Zebley.

The Delaware Police Diversion Program will continue to be utilized throughout the State of Delaware. Through its use, the Delaware State Police expect a lasting reduction in crime, overdoses, and mental health crises.

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Delaware State Police Official Website

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 072822 1209

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Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit Receives 2022 Compassionate Champion Award

We are honored to announce the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit as a recipient of the 2022 Compassionate Champion Award. This award recognizes “outstanding achievements by both individuals and organizations in providing trauma-informed services.” In 2018, Governor John Carney signed executive order # 24 to transform Delaware into a trauma-informed state. Colonel Melissa A. Zebley received this award on behalf of the women and men of the Delaware State Police at a celebratory ceremony on June 14th, 2022. Please click on the video below to learn more about our trauma-informed practices.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Sergeant India Sturgis

Released: 063022 2118

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Delaware State Police Announce 2021 Trooper and Civilian Employee of the Year

Dover– At a ceremony held on Friday, April 1, 2022, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police, Colonel Melissa A. Zebley, announced the winners of the annual Trooper of the Year and Civilian of the Year awards.

To help recognize the significance of the ceremony Governor John Carney, Attorney General Kathleen Jennings, and Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security, Nathaniel McQueen Jr., were in attendance to offer congratulatory remarks.

Trooper of the Year

Each year the Delaware State Police Executive Staff selects one Trooper for the Trooper of the Year Award. To be nominated, a Trooper must exceed performance standards and be recognized by his or her peers, as one who epitomizes the Core Values of the Division, which are Honor, Integrity, Courage, Loyalty, Attitude, Discipline and Service.

This year, 10 Troopers were nominated, and out of those worthy nominees, the Executive Staff selected Sergeant Pierre Lawler, as the 2021 Trooper of the Year, for his outstanding efforts and contributions to the Division and the citizens of the State of Delaware. Sergeant Lawler is assigned to Troop 2 Patrol.

Sergeant Pierre Lawler has demonstrated all the key characteristics and Core values that make an exceptional Trooper in addition to his duties as a patrol Road Supervisor. As commander of “B” shift, this past year, his shift was responsible for several significant apprehensions and seizures through his guidance and instruction. His work ethic and efforts demonstrate excellence above and beyond his scope of patrol supervisor. He is very attentive to the administrative patrol duties of a Sergeant as well as delegating responsibilities to develop his subordinates. In many ways he puts his shift mates in positions to excel and his presence on the street affords them on scene supervision.

Sergeant Lawler was also presented with the Randall Armistead Trooper of the Year Award on behalf of the Delaware State Troopers Association. Presenting the award was Vice President of the DSTA, Master Corporal Mark Ryde.

Trooper of the Year Nominees

Trooper First Class Richard Link- Troop 1 Patrol

Sergeant Pierre Lawler- Troop 2 Patrol

Detective Ryan Kirchenbauer- Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit

Corporal Andrew Valeski- Troop 3 Patrol

Trooper First Class Thomas Vincent- Troop 4 Patrol

Detective Alan Bluto- Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit

Corporal Andrew Shea- Troop 5 Patrol

Trooper First Class Kevin Kelleher- Troop 6 Patrol

Trooper First Class Michael Short- Troop 7 Patrol

Corporal Stephen Douglas- Troop 9 Patrol

Civilian of the Year

Each year the Delaware State Police Executive Staff also selects one civilian employee, for the Civilian of the Year Award. Civilian employees who are nominated for this award display outstanding performance and meet the following criteria:

Exceptional service as identified by the employee’s performance evaluations.
A consistent record of such service through their years of employment.
Recognition by their peers for outstanding character and integrity.

This year, five Delaware State Police civilian employees were nominated for the award, and the Executive Staff of the Delaware State Police selected Purchasing Services Administrator, Kimberly Cuffee, as the 2021 Civilian of the Year.

Ms. Cuffee continued to exemplify all of the values and work habits that we have seen from her over her numerous years of service, with enhanced challenges in 2021 from the global pandemic and supply chain shortages. Her performance during both 2020 and 2021 was exemplary.

Civilian of the Year Nominees

Ms. Kimberly Cuffee- Purchasing & Supply

Ms. Monica Holmes- Human Resources

Mr. Lance Lane- Communications (KENTCOM)

Ms. Rebecca Palicka- State Bureau of Identification

Mr. Andrew Valladares- Delaware Information and Analysis

In addition to the Trooper and Civilian of the Year, the following Troopers were also presented with the following awards:

Lifesaving Award:

TFC Hunter Bordley, Ms. Kayla Bright, Delaware City Volunteer Fire Company, TFC Anthony Carter, Tpr. Thomas Catalfamo, Sgt. Daniel DeFlaviis, Cpl/3 Justin Galloway, Cpl/1 Patrick Jackson, Cpl. George Justice, TFC Luke Justice, TFC Michelle Keane, Cpl. Kathleen Koff, Sgt. Edward Larney, Cpl. Mark Malloy, Cpl. Adam Orndorf – New Castle County PD, Cpl. Andrew Osgood, TFC Nicholas Panissidi, TFC Trevor Pendleton, Capt. Kerry Reinbold, Cpl. Courtney Schrader, Cpl. Jordan Smith, Cpl. Robert Spanier Jr., Mr. Ronald Stamper, Delaware City Volunteer Fire Company, TFC Brian Whitehead

Exceptional Performance:

TFC Michael Aberman, Cpl. Amina Ali, Cpl. Justin Decowski, Cpl. Everett Eschbach, Cpl/1 Michael Fiore, Tpr. John Hasson Jr., Tpr. Kenneth Haynes, Cpl. Peter Irwin, TFC Kevin Kelleher, TFC Joseph Klink, Sgt. Dave Kristunas, Capt. Rodney Layfield, TFC Thomas Leonardi, Tpr. Erik Lima-Munguia, Cpl/1 Cheri Magda, Cpl. Benjamin Nefosky, Sgt. Troy Ralston, Tpr. Sean Setting, Cpl/3 Robert Strecker, Cpl. Andrew Valeski, TFC Emanuel Velez, TFC Thomas Vincent, Sgt. Michael Weinstein

Superintendent’s Citation:

Cpl. Derek Balaguer, Cpl. Christopher Delvecchio – Maryland State Police, Sgt. Michael Dill, Cpl. Zachary Drake, Tpr. Nicholas Gallo, Cpl. Christopher Garcia, Sgt. Bruce Graham – Clayton PD, Tpr. Jesse Guevara, Cpl. Dustin Hamilton, Deputy 1/C Michael Houck – Wicomico County Sheriff’s (Ret.), Department Patrol Officer First Class Daniel Howard – Laurel PD, Sgt. Eric Landing – Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, Sgt. Pierre Lawler, Patrol Officer First Class Ashley Little – Laurel Police Department, Cpl/1 Rosendo Luna, Sgt. Christopher Martin, Cpl/1 Michael Morgan, Lt. Jerel Morton, Sgt. Daniel Parks, Police Officer First Class Richard Pizzaia – Salisbury PD, Cpl. Alexander Ricketts, Cpl/1 Sean Rodrigues, Deputy 1/C Brandon Scott – Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, Cpl. Bruce Smith – Maryland State Police, Cpl. Christopher Story – Fenwick Island PD, , Tpr. Heather Swain, Cpl/3 James Wharton

Valor Award:

Sgt. Jason Aviola, Cpl/1 Jeffrey Baldwin, TFC Schatzschneider Billy-Attoh Jr., Cpl. Jermaine Cannon, Cpl. Joshua Cary, Tpr. Kody Eichlin, Cpl. Andrey Green, Cpl. Dean Johnson, Cpl. Brandon Yencer

Congratulations to all of the nominees and award winners!

Presented by Public Information Officer, Sergeant Heather Pepper

Released: 040122 1600

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Delaware State Police Announce 2020 Trooper and Civilian Employee of the Year

Dover– At a ceremony held on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police, Colonel Melissa Zebley, announced the winners of the annual Trooper of the Year and Civilian of the Year awards.

To help recognize the significance of the ceremony Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security, Nathaniel McQueen Jr., was in attendance to offer congratulatory remarks.

Trooper of the Year

This year, twelve Troopers were nominated, and out of those worthy nominees, the Executive Staff selected Senior Corporal DiGiacomo, as the 2020 Trooper of the Year, for his outstanding efforts and contributions to the Division and the citizens of the State of Delaware. Senior Corporal DiGiacomo is assigned to the Headquarters DIAC (Delaware Information and Analysis Center).

Senior Corporal DiGiacomo’s investigative knowledge and work ethic has contributed to the successful prosecution of multiple criminal cases. He works tirelessly in an effort to make Delaware a safer state to live and travel in. He works very well with other investigative units, and other departments both at the local and federal level. When commenting on his achievements, in true form he attributed his success to his fellow Troopers.

Senior Corporal DiGiacomo was also presented with the Randall Armistead Trooper of the Year Award on behalf of the Delaware State Troopers Association. Presenting the award was President of the DSTA, Sgt. Troy Pezzuto.

Trooper of the Year Nominees

Trooper First Class, George Justice – Troop 1
Trooper First Class, Thomas Leonardi – Troop 2 Patrol
Corporal Grade 1, Thomas Macauley – Troop 2 CIU
Trooper First Class, Trevor Pendleton – Troop 3 Patrol
Corporal Grade 1, Patrick Schlimer – Troop 3 CIU
Master Corporal Anthony Baker – Troop 4 Patrol
Corporal William Saylor – Troop 4 CIU
Trooper First Class Kyle Perry – Troop 5
Trooper First Class Benjamin Wingate – Troop 7
Corporal Grade 1 Leonard DeMalto – Troop 7
Senior Corporal Christopher Nicholson – Troop 9
Senior Corporal DiGiacomo – HQ/DIAC

Civilian of the Year

Exceptional service as identified by the employee’s performance evaluations.
A consistent record of such service through their years of employment.
Recognition by their peers for outstanding character and integrity.

This year, five Delaware State Police civilian employees were nominated for the award, and the Executive Staff of the Delaware State Police selected Human Resources Specialist; Rhonda Davis, as the 2020 Civilian of the Year.

Rhonda began her career 21 years ago as a Human Resources Specialist and became credentialed by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Her skills and abilities led the Delaware State Police (DSP) and our Human Resources Section in the successful navigation through the apex of the Covid-19 pandemic crisis in 2020. Within HR, Rhonda is Lead HR Specialist in several disciplines to include civilian employee acquisition & retention, civilian employee relations/Equal Employment Opportunity (EEOC), retirement and benefit processing and a multitude of ancillary responsibilities. Rhonda’s leadership role expanded exponentially as the virus impacted all civilian and sworn work groups throughout the division. With determined dedication, she met ever-changing new and unprecedented challenges to Delaware and to the Division. Throughout the uncertainty of a global pandemic, civil unrest, staffing hurdles, labor disputes, and seemingly endless retirements, Ms. Davis remained a steadfast resource for the Division’s personnel. Her commitment to the men and women of the Division is evident in the countless hours Ms. Davis worked to ensure that our personnel were properly educated on COVID protocols, paid emergency leave, available resources, and documentation of illness, all while performing her other duties without interruption. Amid all these demands, she also processed 46 pensions and hired 57 new employees. She was pivotal in the implementation of COVID-related tracking and compensation and ensured that Divisional personnel were included in all decisions related to the Human Resources realm. Rhonda has been a model employee and consummate professional during her career with the Delaware State Police; her support and dedication to the Division is unsurpassed.

Civilian of the Year Nominees

Rhonda Davis – Headquarters/Human Resources
Rachel Dukes – DIAC (Delaware Information and Analysis Center)
Susan McNatt – Headquarters/Academy
Nicole Perregrino – Headquarters Communications
Ashley Torbert – Headquarters/Homicide

In addition to the Trooper and Civilian of the Year, the following Troopers were also presented with the following awards:

Valor Award:

Master Corporal David Chorlton, Senior Corporal DiGiacomo, Sgt Christopher Ennis, Master Corporal Sean O’Leary, Sgt Joshua Scaramazza, Master Corporal Ricardo Torres

Superintendent’s Citation:

Trooper First Class Carrie Foskey, Corporal Ryan Kirchenbauer, Corporal Charles Morris, Trooper First Class Cody Moyer, Master Corporal John Penrod, Sgt Brian Pixley, Corporal August Zickgraf

Lifesaving Award:

Corporal Sarah Bailey, Trooper Anthony Carter, Trooper First Class Irina Celpan, Trooper Kyle Finkbeiner, Trooper Cullen Fulton, Master Corporal Justin Galloway, Corporal Coban Goertz, Captain Jennifer Griffin, Corporal Eric Gumbs, Trooper First Class Robert Harris, Trooper Robert Horton, Corporal Andrew Johnson, Trooper Luke Justice, Corporal Daniel Korenyi, Corporal Carolee Lenoir, Corporal Sean Murray, Trooper Trevor Pendleton, Mr. Joseph Pepper, Trooper First Class Kyle Perry, Corporal Chase Petrella, Sgt Steven Robertson, Corporal Grade 1 Sean Rodrigues, Corporal Jonathan Scaramazza, Senior Corporal Scott Shelton, Trooper Michael Short, Trooper First Class Matthew Skidmore, Corporal James Smith, Corporal Jordan Smith, Corporal Robert Spanier Jr., Mr. Mario Street, Trooper Emanuel Velez, Master Corporal William Walker, Trooper First Class Trevor White, Trooper Kaitlyn Zebley

Exceptional Performance:

Dover Police Detective, Robert Cunningham, Corporal Justin Decowski, Corporal Sean Devenney, Corporal Kelly Diaz, Senior Corporal DiGiacomo, Corporal Grade 1 Christopher Donaldson, Master Corporal Gary Fournier, Corporal Daniel Galini, Trooper First Class Patrick Gaskin, Corporal Johnathon Gibbons, Master Corporal Mark Hogate, Corporal Eric Huston, Master Corporal Joseph Joannides, Corporal Kathleen Koff, Dover Police Detective, Matthew Krogh, Corporal Pierre Lawler, Corporal Michael Lilley, Corporal Heidi Lingo, Corporal Richard Link, Corporal Michael Lipp, Corporal Michael Macauley. Corporal Thomas Macauley, Corporal Matthew McHenry, Trooper Mitchell Moyer, Corporal Bartlomiej Muziol, Trooper Trevor Pendleton, Sgt Christopher Popp, Trooper First Class Jodi Salyer, Corporal Grade 1 Patrick Schlimer, Corporal Lawrence Seitz, Trooper First Class Matthew Skidmore, Corporal Christopher Solda, Sgt Patrick Stock, Sgt Jason Vernon

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 042021 1830

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Three Delaware State Troopers Receive the 2020 Delaware Crime Stoppers Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award- Dover

Dover- Three Delaware State Troopers received the Robert J. Seinsoth Memorial Award as the 2020 Delaware Crime Stoppers Law Enforcement Officer of the Year at the Delaware Crime Stoppers Award Luncheon held on Wednesday, January 27, at the Delaware State Troopers Association Hall.

Trooper First Class Cody Moyer, Trooper First Class Carrie Foskey, and Corporal Charles Morris II were nominated and subsequently chosen as the award recipient based on their heroic actions when responding to an attempted murder incident while assigned to Delaware State Police Troop 5 Patrol.

In March of 2020, TFC Moyer, TFC Foskey, and Cpl. Morris responded to a residence in Bridgeville for a burglary in progress. Upon arrival to the scene, the troopers discovered the suspect had broken into the residence, physically assaulted the victim, and was still located inside. The troopers could hear screaming inside the home and took immediate action. Once inside, they discovered the suspect and victim in the kitchen, with the victim seriously injured and losing a lot of blood. The suspect was immediately taken into custody, and the troopers took emergency life-saving measures to save the victims’ life. They continued to render treatment to the victim until Emergency Medical Services arrived on the scene.

The suspect was subsequently charged with attempted homicide, burglary, and additional related charges.

Cpl. Charles Morris II is a 6 year veteran of the Delaware State Police.

TFC Cody Moyer is a 5 year veteran of the Delaware State Police.

TFC Carrie Foskey is a 4 year veteran of the Delaware State Police.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released:012921 2324

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Delaware State Police Announce 2019 Trooper and Civilian Employee of the Year

Dover- At a ceremony held on Monday, March 2, 2020, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police, Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr., announced the winners of the annual Trooper of the Year and Civilian of the Year awards.

To help recognize the significance of the ceremony several distinguished guests were also in attendance to offer congratulatory remarks. They included Governor John C. Carney Jr., Chief Deputy Attorney General Alexander Mackler, and Acting Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security Kimberly Chandler.

Trooper of the Year

This year, eleven Troopers were nominated, and out of those worthy nominees, the Executive Staff selected Cpl/1 Jean, as the 2019 Trooper of the Year, for his outstanding efforts and contributions to the Division and the citizens of the State of Delaware. Cpl/1 Jean is assigned to the Troop 3 Criminal Investigations Unit.

Cpl/1 Jean’s investigative knowledge and work ethic has contributed to the successful prosecution of multiple criminal cases. He works tirelessly in an effort to make Delaware a safer state to live and travel in. He works very well with other investigative units, and other departments both at the local and federal level. When commenting on his achievements, in true form he attributed his success to his fellow Troopers.

Cpl/1 Jean was also presented with the Randall Armistead Trooper of the Year Award on behalf of the Delaware State Troopers Association. Presenting the award was President of the DSTA, Lt. Thomas Brackin.

Trooper of the Year Nominees

Senior Corporal Jalal Kelsey – Division of Gaming Enforcement
Master Corporal John Messick – Intelligence Section
Trooper First Class George Justice – Troop 1
Corporal/1 Sean Rodrigues – Troop 2 Patrol
Corporal Michael Macauley – Troop 2 CIU
Corporal/1 Jean – Troop 3
Senior Corporal Robert Cowden – Troop 4
Trooper First Class William Schuele – Troop 5
Corporal Michael Adkins – Troop 6
Corporal/1 John Wilson – Troop 7
Corporal Stephen Douglas – Troop 9

Civilian of the Year

Exceptional service as identified by the employee’s performance evaluations
A consistent record of such service through their years of employment
Recognition by their peers for outstanding character and integrity.

This year, eight Delaware State Police civilian employees were nominated for the award, and the Executive Staff of the Delaware State Police selected Victim Services Specialist; Corrie Schmitt, as the 2019 Civilian of the Year.

Corrie has been with the Victim Service’s Unit since 2007 and is known to consistently go above and beyond. In 2019 she was asked to take on a larger area of jurisdiction which included much more responsibility, 2 additional Troops and 6 additional municipal departments. The typical caseload for a Victim Specialist can range from 40-50 cases a month. Corrie began handling almost double that amount averaging, approximately 80 cases per month. In two different months, she handled 100 cases. She didn’t just handle them, she treated each individual victim with care and compassion, making sure that she provided the appropriate resources and assisted them through their experience in the Criminal Justice system.

Civilian of the Year Nominees

Joe Mulford – Headquarters Communications
Katie Pena – Headquarters Communications
Lawrence Parker – Communications RECOM
Nicole Rovira – Communications RECOM
Ryan welch – Communications KENTCOM
Brandi Ober – Communications SUSCOM
Corrie Schmitt – Victim Services
Richard Daniels – Troop 9

In addition to the Trooper and Civilian of the Year, the following Troopers were also presented with the following awards:

Exceptional Performance:

Cpl. Randel Abrenica, Cpl. Corey Bastianelli, Cpl. Michael Brent, S./Cpl. Todd Buchert, Trooper Jermaine cannon, S./Cpl. James Dempsey, Cpl. Jenny Gleim, Trooper Hasan Halis, S./Cpl. Bridget Harris, Cpl. Michael Harrison, TFC George Justice, TFC Kathleen Koff, M./Cpl. Craig Lewis, Cpl. Rosendo Luna-Lopez, Cpl. Logan Pavlik, Cpl. sean Rodrigues, Mrs. Corrie Schmitt, Trooper William Schuele, M./Cpl. Ed Sebastianelli, Trooper Zachery Sherwood, Patrolman Brandon Smith (Laurel PD).

Lifesaving Award:

Cpl. Jason Aviola, TFC Casey Breidigan, Officer Chelsea Chillas (DNREC), Officer Joshua Churchill (P&P), Cpl. Everett Eschbach, M./Cpl. Justin Galloway, Cpl. Christopher Garcia, Trooper Patrick Gaskin, Trooper Trevor Greenwalt, TFC Eric Gumbs, TFC Jennifer Hastings, Cpl. Donald Hickman, Trooper Dean Johnson, PFC Ashley Little (Laurel PD), S./Cpl. Matthew Long, Cpl. Rosendo Luna-Lopez, Cpl. Robert Mitchell, Trooper Cody Moyer, Cpl. Sean Murray, Cpl/1 Christopher Nicholson, Officer Thomas Passwaters (DNREC), Trooper Kyle Perry, Officer Jamier Powell (Camden PD), Agent Frank Robinson (DOJ), Cpl. John Scaramazza, Trooper William Schuele, TFC Matthew Skidmore, TFC Jordan Smith, Cpl. Robert Spanier, Cpl. Zachary Spudis, Trooper Anthony Stimac, Cpl. William Wallace.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:030320 1400

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Delaware State Trooper Selected as Instructor of the Year by the International Association of Chiefs of Police

Nashville, Tennessee – On Wednesday, July 10, 2019, Master Corporal Lawrence Walther of the Delaware State Police Training Academy was recognized as the 2019 Instructor of the Year, by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) – State and Provincial Police Academy Director’s (SPPADS), at their Annual Conference in Nashville, TN. Nominations for this prestigious award were received by the IACP-SPPADS, from police academies across the United States and Canada. Cpl. Walther, who was nominated by the former Director of the DSP Training Academy, Captain Jennifer Griffin, is the first Delaware State Trooper to be presented with the IACP SPPADS Instructor of the Year Award.

“Cpl. Walther is not just an “Instructor of the Year,” but an “Instructor of a Lifetime” who goes above and beyond to reach Troopers, Officers, students and citizens. His exceptional work didn’t just start in the past year, but built over his 14 year career. His interaction and selflessness with his time, energy, and knowledge have changed the lives and the careers of countless police officers and community members. He sets himself apart because he looks at every student, and really figures out what their strengths and weaknesses are, and then includes them in a plan to improve and excel. He takes a personal interest in all of his students, no matter their level of competency or ability. He sets himself apart, because he genuinely cares about his students, and is willing to give 100% of his time and effort to them”. – Captain Jennifer Griffin (Former Director DSP Training Academy/Nominating Officer)

Cpl. Walther, who has been a Delaware State Trooper since 2004, realized early in his career, that he had a passion and aptitude for teaching, instructing, and mentoring. This special skill set resulted in him being selected as a Field Training Officer for recruit Troopers, while assigned to Troop 2 as a patrol Trooper. Prior to being assigned to the Delaware State Police Training Academy as a full-time TAC (Teacher – Advisor – Counselor) in 2017, Cpl. Walther served as an adjunct instructor at the Academy as a guest TAC Officer, Ground Fighting instructor, and as a Control Tactics instructor. Since coming to the Academy, he has also become a certified instructor in SABRE O.C. Spray, ASP Baton, and Stop Stick.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:090519 0730

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Delaware State Police Announce 2018 Trooper and Civilian Employee of the Year

Dover, DE- At a ceremony held on Monday, February 25, 2019, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police, Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr., announced the winners of the annual Trooper of the Year and Civilian of the Year awards.

Trooper of the Year

Each year the Delaware State Police Executive Staff selects one Trooper for the Trooper of the Year Award. To be nominated, a trooper must exceed performance standards and be recognized by his or her peers, as one who epitomizes the Core Values of the Division, which are Honor, Integrity, Courage, Loyalty, Attitude, Discipline and Service.

This year, ten Troopers were nominated, and out of those worthy nominees, the Executive Staff selected Trooper First Class Christopher Solda, as the 2018 Trooper of the Year, for his outstanding efforts and contributions to the Division and the citizens of the State of Delaware.

A three year veteran assigned to Troop 3, TFC Solda excelled in making significant arrests and furthering critical investigations of criminal activity related to weapons offenses/shootings/seizures, human trafficking investigations, theft from motor vehicles, drug crimes, and fraudulent identification cards. TFC Solda proactively generated these arrests and related investigations; he prides himself on being thorough, exhaustive and relentless in his pursuit of criminals.

As his first line supervisor, Sgt. Scott Horsman noted, “TFC Solda not only solves cases; he catches criminals in the act of committing crimes.” In addition to excelling in the criminal aspect of policing, TFC Solda continues to thrive with his additional duties as a patrol trooper, to include traffic enforcement and community outreach, based on his involvement with Troop 3’s STaRS program.

TFC Solda was also presented with the Randall Armistead Trooper of the Year Award on behalf of the Delaware State Troopers Association.

Trooper of the Year Nominees

TFC Anthony Desiderio (Troop 1)
Cpl/2 Anthony Pantalone (Troop 2 CIU)
TFC Michael Young (Troop 2 Patrol)
TFC Casey Bredigan (Troop 4)
TFC Nicholas Mongiello (Troop 5)
Trooper Robert Harris (Troop 6)
Cpl. Chase Petrella (Troop 7)
Cpl. Matthew Morgan (Troop 9)
Cpl/3 Lawrence Walther (Academy)

Civilian of the Year

Exceptional service as identified by the employee’s performance evaluations
A consistent record of such service through their years of employment
Recognition by their peers for outstanding character and integrity.

This year, seven Delaware State Police civilian employees were nominated for the award, and the Executive Staff of the Delaware State Police selected latent print examiner; Anthony DiNardo of the State Bureau of Identification, as the 2018 Civilian of the Year.

In 2018, Tony received and analyzed 1,534 latent prints in 2018 making positive identification “hits” on 658 of these submissions. He also solved 826 latent cases leading to numerous arrests and the closure of many pending cases, for the Delaware State Police and other allied agencies.

Additionally, the success of the Delaware State Police’s acquisition and utilization of facial recognition technology should largely be attributed to Mr. DiNardo. While beginning in 2016, his accomplishments over the past two years proved instrumental in building confidence within our law enforcement community who now trust the capabilities of this technology and Tony’s skills and abilities.

Civilian of the Year Nominees

Theresa Daniels (Troop 9)
Maria Gagnon (Troop 1)
Debra Hughes (Office of Professional Regulation)
Heather Maslauskas (Communications)
Nicole Reed (Communications)
Dennis Swain (Communications)

In addition to the Trooper and Civilian of the Year, the following Troopers were also presented with the following awards:

Superintendent’s Citation: Sgt. Paul Doherty, Sgt. Andrew Gatti, Cpl. Keith McCabe, Cpl/3 Kevin Mack, Trooper Michelle Galiani, Cpl. Paige Haley, Cpl/1 John Klemash, Trooper Brandon Triantos,

Valor: Cpl/3 Matthew Blakeman, Cpl. Sean Callaway, Cpl. Patrick Jackson

Exceptional Performance: Cpl/3 Michael Branch, Cpl/2 Brett Creasey, TFC Justin Decowski, Cpl. Sean Devenney, Cpl. Michael Lilley, Cpl/2 Amy Lloyd, Cpl. Thomas Macauley, Cpl/2 Anthony Pantalone, TFC William Wallace, Cpl. Aaron Blair, Cpl. Zachary Bonniwell, Officer Brayan Chavez-Rivera (Milton PD), Sgt. Brett Cordrey, Trooper Dean Johnson, Trooper Matt Skidmore, Cpl. Brandon Yencer, Trooper Robert Harris, Cpl/3 Robert Kunicki, Cpl/1 Eugene Miller, TFC Paul Taylor

Lifesaving: TFC Janeika Cole, TFC Michael Young, Trooper Joshua Cary, Cpl/3 Gary Fournier, Cpl/3 Justin Galloway, Trooper Jordan Smith, TFC Robert Spanier, TFC Elizabeth Bruette, Cpl/2 Greg Cartwright, Trooper Irina Celpan, Cpl/3 Charles Fidler, Cpl. Kyle Ogden, TFC Zack Spudis, TFC Corliss Talley, TFC Kyle Taylor, Cpl. Corey Bastianelli, Cpl. John Cullen (Greenwood PD), TFC Jennifer Hastings, Sgt. Thomas Jefferson (Sussex County EMS), Trooper Matt Skidmore, Trooper Herney Tovar-Quintero, TFC William Wallace, Trooper Sarah Bailey, TFC Jason Berry, Cpl/3 Matt Blakeman, Cpl. Megan Burch, Cpl/2 Brian Page, TFC Dustin Hamilton, Theresa Roark (Suscom)

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