A Memorial Tribute to our Fallen Heroes

 

Click here to view a Memorial Tribute to our Fallen Heroes.
Those who gave the ultimate sacrifice - their life.

We're grateful for the Troopers that made the ultimate sacrifice in the month of April

 

Harold B. Rupert
1928-1962
Harold B. Rupert was born on March 26, 1928 to Harold and Catherine Rupert in Reading, Pennsylvania. He was one of three children, his siblings being Katherine Sudduth and Garrison Rupert. In 1946 he graduated from Alexis I. DuPont High School in Wilmington and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. In November 1948, he married the former Abigail Piper. During the Korean War he re-enlisted in the Marine Corps. Upon the completion of his tour of duty; he returned to Delaware and found employment with the DuPont Company. While working at the DuPont Company, Harold continually dreamed of becoming a Delaware State Trooper. During his youth, one of his role models was his Uncle Harold McEwee of the Pennsylvania State Police. Becoming a state trooper was always one of his greatest aspirations. His dream came true when he graduated from the Delaware State Police Recruit School on September 27, 1956. Stationed at Troop 1 at Penny Hill in Wilmington, his interest was particularly aimed at the K-9 Division. He trained and worked with one of his new partners, Rocky, a German shepherd. One of his favorite pastimes was scuba diving along with his fellow troopers, Jim Maucher, John VanSant and Rick Palmer. When he was not diving he greatly enjoyed fishing and hunting. Trooper Rupert was killed in the line of duty on April 19, 1962.  He and his partner, Trooper Ray Querey, were involved in a high speed pursuit that resulted in a crash.  At the age of 34 he left behind his wife Abigail and five daughters.  His daughters are Colleen, Lorraine, Patricia, Maria and Kathleen.  At time of his death they were 10, 9, 3 and 1 year of age.  His daughter, Kathleen, was born the following December. (Photo Gallery)

Sandra Marie Wagner
1968-1996

Sandra M. Wagner, 28, is the first female State Trooper to die in the line of duty. She was killed on April 5, 1996, when she pulled her police vehicle onto the path of a tractor-trailer on Delaware Route 404 in Bridgeville, apparently intent on stopping a speeding motorist. Trooper Wagner was just two hours into her third solo shift. Her Troop Commander at Troop 5, Bridgeville, spoke in measured tones, “Self motivated, organized, prepared, intelligent, all of the traits of a good cop, she had ‘em all. Trooper Wagner wasn’t going to be a good trooper, she was a good trooper.” Governor Thomas Carper said, in a statement issued from his office, “Only a few months ago, I shook her hand at (recruit) graduation…She was filled with the determination and hope of a new state police officer…Little did she know that she would end up sacrificing her life… I want to extend my heartfelt sympathy to her family, friends, and colleagues.” Trooper Sandra Wagner once said of herself, “I knew I always wanted to do something to help people and society, but I wasn’t sure what it was, but I did know that I did not want to sit at a desk the rest of my life.” As a member of the Delaware State Police she was about to fulfill that prophecy, unfortunately it was cut short. She was laid to rest for eternity on April 10, 1996 at the All Saints Cemetery. “Sandi” Wagner is survived by her mother, Patricia; her father and stepmother, Joseph and Betty Wagner; sisters, Candace and Kristen; stepsister and stepbrother, Denise and Dennis Risner; paternal grandmothers, Ruth Bruce and Myra Wagner; and maternal grandparents, Milton and Helen Znovena. Trooper Thomas Carver, a classmate, synopsized the tragedy stating, “There’s a feeling of being invulnerable, feeling on top of the world. This really has brought us all right back to earth real quick.” (Photo Gallery)

Stephen J. Ballard
1985-2017
On April 26, 2017, Corporal First Class Stephen J. Ballard, 32, was shot and killed on Wednesday, April 26, 2017.  Stephen Ballard joined the ranks of the Delaware State Police on October 31, 2008 as a member of the 80th Delaware State Police Recruit Class.  At the time of his death, Stephen was assigned to the Patrol Division at Troop 2, Glasgow.  He had previously served at Troop 4, Georgetown and Troop 3, Camden.  Cpl/1 Ballard was a member of the DSP Conflict Management Team and had temporary assignments to the Drug Diversion Unit and as a School Resource Officer. He was also a mentor for children within several communities. On that fatal day, Cpl/1 Ballard was investigating a suspicious vehicle complaint at the Wawa store in Bear.  The vehicle in question was occupied by two individuals.  After making contact with the persons in question, Cpl/1 Ballard ordered the passenger out of the automobile.  As the passenger exited the vehicle he engaged Ballard in a hostile manner.  A witness stated the suspect, later identified as Burgon Sealey Jr., was observed turning on Cpl/1 Ballard, removing a handgun from his waistband, and shooting at the Trooper.  The bullets fired struck Stephen in the upper body.  As Cpl/1 Ballard attempted to find concealment, he stumbled to the ground.  As he lay on the pavement, Cpl/1 Ballard was shot several more times by Sealey.
Cpl/1 Stephen J. Ballard was transported to the Christiana Hospital where everything humanly possible was done to save his life.  Despite the heroic efforts of citizens, his fellow Troopers, paramedics and a tremendous emergency room staff, Stephen lost his battle to overcome his mortal wounds.
Friday, May 5th, began as a dark and dreary day.  A somber tone was set for the Celebration of Life Service that was held at the Chase Center on the Riverfront.  Rain fell upon those family members, friends, indebted citizens and thousands of police officers from 36 states that gathered to pay homage to Cpl/1 Stephen J. Ballard.   Governor John C. Carney, Jr. remarked that, “Corporal Ballard dedicated his career to noble service, putting his life on the line to protect the rest of us.  We owe Corporal Ballard - and all the officers who serve on our behalf - an enormous debt of gratitude.  We should remain mindful of their service today and every day.” Cpl/1 Ballard was laid to rest in Gracelawn Memorial Park.
Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr., Superintendent of the Delaware State Police stated that; Stephen was a dedicated Trooper who exemplified the highest standards and dedication to serving the citizens of Delaware. His life and his service touched every County in this State. He had the true heart of a servant.
Stephen is survived by his wife, Louise Cummings Ballard; his daughter, Abigail Lewis; parents, Kevin and Robin Ballard; paternal grandmother, Ruth Noble; mother-in-law Sharon Cummings; his fellow Delaware State Troopers and a grateful State and Nation. (Photo Gallery)

 

 

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