Police Memorial Day 2010

On May 5, 2010 Police Memorial Day was held at the Cpl. Paul J. Sweeney Public Safety Building. Numerous retirees were in attendance remembering past brothers of law enforcement and personal friends. Outstanding remarks were made by FOP Lodge 5 President Joe Lavelle, Col. McGowan, and County Executive Chris Coons.

Dedication of the Law Enforcement Memorial

Debt of gratitude etched in granite

Biden joins officers in tribute to 36 lost in line of duty

By J.L. MILLER ?The News Journal ?May 4, 2010

DOVER -- Delaware paid tribute to its fallen police officers Monday as Vice President Joe Biden, long one of law enforcement's chief advocates, lauded them for "true courage."

Biden, along with much of Delaware's political establishment, officers from throughout the state and family members of the fallen officers, dedicated the newly placed Delaware Law Enforcement Memorial on Legislative Mall.

The somber black granite wall with the statue of a kneeling policeman bears the names of the 36 Delaware officers who died in the line of duty.

Earlier in the evening, family members of the officers joined Biden, Gov. Jack Markell and first lady Carla Markell for a private function at Woodburn, the governor's official residence.

New Castle Police Chief Kevin McDerby, who was instrumental in turning the memorial from an idea into reality, called it a story with 36 chapters.

"As much as we hope not, there will be more chapters written," McDerby said.

Biden, whose Senate career included sponsoring legislation to increase funding for local police, told the assembled officers that "you have had my back and I hope I have done my best to have your back throughout my career."

"Today, Delaware recognizes true courage. Today, Delaware recognizes fallen heroes and today, Delaware makes us all proud," said Biden, who donated $26,000 from his senatorial campaign fund to the memorial effort.

"We owe you a debt of gratitude, not only for what you lost, but for what you gave," Biden told the fallen officers' families.

The names of the officers were read, one by one, starting with that of Officer John F. Baylis, a Wilmington city officer who died Sept. 9, 1863.

As each name was read, a bell tolled, and a single rose was placed on the memorial in tribute.

The final name on the monument is that of Georgetown Officer Chad Spicer, slain on Sept. 1, 2009.

Little Aubrey Spicer, the officer's daughter, joined her family members in placing the rose.

Three police helicopters flew in formation over the crowd in tribute, and as they disappeared into the night, it began to rain.

Contact J.L. Miller at 678-4271 or jlmiller@delawareonline.com.

Cpl. Wysock taking the Sweeney family to place a rose at the Memorial

On Friday, January 29, 2010, FOP Lodge 5 held its annual recognition dinner for the 2009 retirees. The affair was sold out, over 225 in attendance. Numerous County Council members were in attendance with several state representatives and several retired DSP officers. The attendance by active and retired officers was overwhelming. Each honoree had remarks to make about their careers. You could tell their dedication and commitment when on the job by their comments. This years dinner will go down as one of the most impressive.

Scott McLaren

Stu Snyder

Craig Weldon

Domenick Gregory

Mike Capodanno

Hugh Ferrill

Fred Ohler

Chris Shanahan

Julia Kemp

FOP 5 Member of the Year

Fred Calhoun

NCCPAA had its annual Dinner/Meeting at the DAP Hall , Lancaster Ave., on Tuesday, December 8, 2009. The dinner was a huge success with fifty retirees present. See how many retirees you can recognize from the pictures.

HB 218 Requirements

REMEMBER - State CCDW permit now required.

Tom Penoza is now in charge of permits; Bob Carmine retired. ONE CHANGE: RETIREES CAN GET A LETTER FROM THE CHIEF'S OFFICE EVEN IF THEY HAVE BEEN RETIRED MORE THAN 90 DAYS (LESS THAN 20 YEARS).

CONTACT BETTY(Chief's Secretary)AT 395-8010 Rather than contacting the Prothonotarys, any questions they should contact the AG's at 577-8500 and ask for Curt Clifton or Tom Penoza. (Check on-line for the forms)

Pictures from the first shoot.

ALUMNI PICNIC

The New Castle County Police Alumni Association had a picnic Sunday, September 27, 2009. The picnic started at 1300 hrs in the rain. By 2:30 many retirees and their spouses showed. Everyone had a good time catching up on old times and new. The picnic was held at Pavilion 2, Bellevue State Park. A/Col. McGowan dropped by and talked with the retirees. Hopefully this will become an annual event without the rain.

Find the difference in the two above photos.

The 34th New Castle County Police Recruit Academy graduation ceremony was held on Thursday, July 23, 2009 at the University of Delaware. The Alumni Association presented the Core Value Award (Esprit de Corps) to Michelle Burris.

At the June 11, 2009 Alumni Meeting the below award was given to Lt. Col. Scott McLaren for his continuing support of the Alumni Association. Lt. Col. McLaren will be retiring this summer and become a member of the Alumni Association. Thanks for your support Scott.

ALUMNI -

Spring Meeting and Elections

The Spring Meeting for the Alumni will be held on Thursday, June 11th,18:30 hrs, at the PAL Center in Hockessin. An election will be held for a new Board of Directors pursuant to our by-laws. Any member interested in running for a position should contact me at: rjamesonus@yahoo.com. Thanks, Bob Jameson

BOARD MEMBERS - I have heard from the following members, Mike Terranova - President, Buddy Williamson - Vice President, Phil Young - 2nd VP, Jim Riggs - Trustee, Mike Rogers - Trustee, Charlie Harris - Chaplain, Larry Mitchell - Trustee, Jerry Smuzynski - Trustee, Marcel Dawson - Trustee, Still have a need for: Treasurer, Secretary, Trustee, & Historian.

Police Memorial Day May 6, 2009

Mrs Paul Sweeney

Police Memorial Day was held on May 6, 2009 at the Paul J. Sweeney Public Safety Building. Numerous retirees were in attendance remembering past brothers of law enforcement and personal friends. Outstanding remarks were made by FOP Lodge 5 President Joe Lavelle, Col. Gregory, and County Executive Chris Coons. Colonel Gregory in his remarks made reference to alumni and our continuing support of the department.

History Repeats Itself

After 34 years the Middletown Police Department is reborn and a state of the art police Headquarters is dedicated. In 1974 the Middletown Police Department was disbanded and New Castle County Police took over contractual police coverage for the town. Today with the help of 4 alumni members (Pat Mullin, Mike Kelly, Dan Yeager, and Hank Tobin) Middletown has its own police department.

In 1974 the Middletown Police Department was disbanded. One Middletown officer was hired as a NCCPD officer. The officer was Wallace Carey or as better known to his colleagues as "the answer grape."

During the 1970's and early 80's an assignment to 34 sector (patrol coverage south of the canal) or 35 sector (Middletown) was considered the penalty box. If you were assigned to either sector you were lucky if you got one radio call a shift and you knew if that radio call was an accident it was probably a serious PI (personal injury). Memories include the Cotton Club on Lake Street and the yearly celebration of Camp Day. No police officer has really known small town policing until they worked with Cpl. Earl Biddle. Earl was born and raised south of the canal was known by everyone. Having Cpl. Biddle arrive a complaint was like having Andy Taylor of Mayberry arrive. Everyone knew Earl, respected him, and Earl's word was law. Earl resolved almost all complaints with a smile and a handshake.

During the 1980's and 90's Middletown grew and police coverage grew with the growth of the community. During the 1990's Middletown High School moved in to a state of the art facility and became a power house in high school sports. New Castle County Corporal Butch Lefevre started the DARE program in the school district and set the standard for DARE in the state. Today traditions include parades on Main Street for every occasion, the peach festival, and the Hummers parade. Middletown has grown into a family community that is proud of its heritage and citizens.

Now on February 28, 2009, the 35 sector car is replaced by a police department with over 20 personnel. Congratulations to Chief Hank Tobin and Mayor Branner.

Captain Dan Yeager, Governor Markell, Chief Hank Tobin, and Mayor Branner cutting the ribbon to the new Middletown Police Facility.

Name the two alumni members are the dedication.

The 2008 Recognition Dinner for FOP Lodge 5 was held on Friday, January 23, 2008. Over 160 people showed to celebrate the careers of the Honorees. Take the time to look at the below pictures and remember your fellow co-workers from the past.

Jim Grant and Bob Snow

Bob Larrimore and Dwight Booker

Ed DiSabinto and Mark Sweetman

Lt. Harden and Doug Warren

Buddy Williamson, Pete Kotowski, and Colonel Gregory

Bob Snow, Felix Poppiti, and Ron Perry

Ted Butler

Dave Riddell and Pat Schneider

S/Sgt. Gary Worthy

Will Sheridan, S/Cpl. Cook, and Dwight Booker

Jack Reyers and Will Sheridan

Former FTO, Mark Sweetman and his protege Kevin Cassidy

Capt. Mark Hitch and Bruce Taylor

Buddy Williamson, Bill Gula, and Don Anthony

John Haug

Lt. Vaughn Bond and Jack Reyes

George Freberry and Councilman Weiner

The Honorees

Honoree Kathy Brettigan

Honoree Kevin Cassidy

Honoree Brian Daly

Honoree Kathy Riddell

FOP Lodge 5 Member of the Year, Bruce Pinkett

Honoree Kevin Cassidy, with his father, a retired Philadelphia Police Officer

There was a great turn out for the 2008 Alumni Christmas Dinner/Meeting. Over 50 retirees showed. Many faces from the past enjoyed a wonderful dinner and several hours reminiscing about the past. Only the police service, fire service and military have a brotherhood and sisterhood that makes the profession unique. It was nice to see our friends who were there for us on the job and now as retirees. The alumni organization for New Castle County Police was long overdue and thankfully is now available for all retirees.