This week, Gov. Jack Markell and others throughout Delaware remembered fallen law enforcement officers.
In his weekly message, Markell spoke about honoring those like Trooper William Mayer. He was a World War II veteran from Dover who died in a 1955 traffic accident at age 28.
The governor joined Mayer’s family and Delaware State Police in dedicating a memorial sign near the site of his death in Smyrna
“Similar signs honoring law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty can be found across the state – signs that remind us of the risks our officers accept to make us all safer.”
He also touted legislation he signed last year that has the state paying for the health care of kids of officers who have died in the line of duty since 2004.
Full text of Gov. Markell's weekly message:
Every day, city, county and state law enforcement officers report for duty to perform a vital role in our communities. Too often their service is taken for granted.
This past week, we recognized Delawareans who have lost their lives in this service – officers like Trooper First Class William F. Mayer, a World War II veteran from Dover, who died in 1955 when a vehicle he had stopped was hit by a passing tractor-trailer. He was 28 years old. This week, along with TFC Mayer’s family and the Delaware State Police, I helped place a memorial sign near the location of his line of duty death. Similar signs honoring law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty can be found across the state – signs that remind us of the risks our officers accept to make us all safer.
We must remember how fortunate we are for the generations of men and women who have chosen to dedicate their lives to serving and protecting Delawareans. It’s why, last year, I signed legislation that ensures health care coverage for the children of officers killed in the line of duty. The greatest honor we can pay to our fallen officers and their families is to keep their memories alive, support the loved ones they have left behind, and show gratitude to those who follow in their footsteps.
Thank you to our current law enforcement officers who continue to serve with professionalism and dedication. Thank you to your family members for their support and sacrifices. And thanks to those who are no longer with us. In your memory, we will strive to support those who have committed to keeping us safe. And that will keep Delaware moving forward.