By Craig Anderson

DOVER — The memories of 24 fallen Delaware State Police troopers were honored at DSP’s annual Memorial Service and Wreath Laying Ceremony on Wednesday morning, an event that came with a promise to always remember the deceased officers’ collective sacrifice while protecting the public.

In opening remarks at a gathering at the DSP Training Academy, Gov. John Carney stressed that “our pledge to all of these brave officers and their families is that they will never be forgotten.

“We will remember their sacrifice and promise to honor and cherish their memories.”

Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long echoed the governor’s thoughts on troopers who lost their lives in the line of duty, while also turning her attention to the current law enforcement officers.

“Each and every day you put on that uniform and walk out the door, you don’t know what faces you,” she said.

Additionally, the lieutenant governor thanked those DSP troopers who have taken an oath “to be willing to protect at all costs. ... As our governor mentioned, there are not days off, and there is not a routine call.”

The recent line-of-duty death of Delmar Police Department Cpl. Keith Heacook was also spotlighted.

“We gather with heavy hearts, as we plan to honor Cpl. Keith Heacook in the days ahead,” DSP Superintendent Col. Melissa Zebley said.

“As we understand all too well the weight of their loss, we will remain a steady source of strength and support for the Heacook family, the Delmar Police Department and the Delmar community in the days and weeks ahead.”

Though the threat of rain moved Wednesday’s event inside, Col. Zebley said it was “great to be among so much family.”

While last year’s memorial video tribute in lieu of a public gathering “was a beautiful illustration of our commitment to our fallen heroes, their family and friends, it is always better to see you in person, to extend our support and restore our individual connection.”

Former DSP Superintendent Nathaniel McQueen Jr., now secretary of the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security, took a similar tack, saying, “Today, I am grateful to join each of you as we honor our heroes in person once again.

“It is great to return to our traditional gathering — although it’s not sunny weather — of troopers, retirees, supporters and survivors. It gives us strength when we support each other and honor our heroes’ memories, service and sacrifice together,” he added.

“Each of them are part of our enduring history, and we will always remember their contributions (in) their service and sacrifice to everyone.”

Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings offered “a most special thank-you to all of the family members of those officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and given their life in service to the rest of us.”

“Thank you for being here today. You are steadfast, and we owe you a debt of gratitude that we can never, never repay.”

The impact of troopers’ service on society is enormous, according to Sgt. Troy Pezzuto, president of the Delaware State Troopers Association.

“For generations, protection of individuals in the pursuit of justice (has) been the responsibility of the Delaware State Police troopers (who) stand as guardians for a fragile line between chaos and order,” he said.

The service’s final speaker — president of the Delaware chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors, Eleanor Allione — noted the loss of two family member survivors this year, along with others who are ailing.

“We ask that you keep them in your prayers as they battle through illnesses,” she said. “We, the survivors, had to create new normals when our officers died, and now, everyone has to create a new normal because of COVID.

“It can be done."

In lieu of the traditional wreath-placing, a shadow box adorned with a trooper uniform served as a representation of all DSP’s fallen troopers during Wednesday’s ceremony.

The service was conducted in memory of late troopers including Patrolman Francis Ryan, Sgt. Thomas H. Lamb, Trooper Paul H. Sherman, Cpl. Leroy L. Lekites, Cpl. James D. Orvis, Cpl. Raymond B. Wilhelm, Trooper William F. Mayer, Trooper First Class Harold B. Rupert, Trooper Robert A. Paris, Col. Eugene B. Ellis, Trooper William C. Keller, Trooper Ronald L. Carey, Trooper David C. Warrington, Trooper George W. Emory, Lt. William I. Jearman, Cpl. David B. Pulling, Trooper Kevin J. Mallon, Trooper Gerald T. Dowd, Cpl. Robert H. Bell, Cpl. Francis T. Schneible, Trooper Sandra M. Wagner, Cpl. Frances M. Collender, Cpl. Christopher M. Shea and Cpl./1 Stephen J. Ballard.