Released: May 5, 2021
Delaware County Council was honored to join District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, Delaware County Sheriff Jerry Sanders, County Controller Joanne Phillips, and members of law enforcement from across the county to pay tribute to the County’s fallen officers during the annual Delaware County Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation’s annual Day of Remembrance Ceremony at Rose Tree Park on May 5.
The ceremony paid tribute to members of law enforcement from across the county who were killed in the line of duty. Participants remembered and honored the 43 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the community and whose names are etched in the memorial. A plaque was also dedicated in remembrance of the first responders who responded to a fire at the Eastern Rubber Reclaiming Company, often called the WADE DUMP, in Chester City in 1978.
Over the past 14 months, members of law enforcement were faced with another challenge—protecting their health in addition to their safety. During the pandemic, they were on the front lines serving and protecting the community- each day coming into contact with the deadly virus. While many could do their jobs more safely at home- that wasn’t an option for law enforcement. It was also a year of immense civil unrest. Members of law enforcement faced extraordinary and historic challenges over the past year.
“It is truly an honor to be a part of the annual Law Enforcement Memorial Day of Remembrance and to pay tribute to the brave men and women of Delaware County serving in law enforcement,” said Delaware County Council Chairman Brian Zidek. “Today and every day we commend and thank you for your sacrifice and bravery. With deepest gratitude, we thank you for protecting us, our families, our schools, our businesses, and our communities.”
The annual event and the permanent memorial at Rose Tree Park serve as a place for honor, reflection, remembrance, and comfort to the families, friends, and colleagues who have lost a loved one in the line of duty.
The names of the 43 men and women who were killed in the line of duty are etched into the memorial and serve as a reminder that first responders risk their lives during each call they respond to.
Every call presents a threat and a danger. Last year over 800,000 emergency calls came through the County’s 911 Center. The County’s First Responders answer each call without hesitation, knowing that danger is a possibility. When others run away from danger, they run towards it.
Thank you to Sgt. Henry O'Neill, President of the Delaware County Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation, and the members of the Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation for holding this annual Day of Remembrance and to the members of law enforcement who attended.