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Cpl. Ballard remembered at annual Delaware State Police wreath laying ceremony

State officials and law enforcement gathered with the family members of fallen state troopers Wednesday morning to honor those who lost their lives in the line of duty.

 

 

 

This year’s annual Delaware State Police Wreath-Laying Ceremony in Dover for fallen state troopers was especially poignant, coming so soon after Cpl. Stephen Ballard’s death just one week ago.

 

Delaware State Police Superintendent Colonel Nathaniel McQueen said that loss — and the death of corrections officer Lt. Stephen Floyd during February’s stand-off at the Vaughn Correctional Center are unforeseen shocks for law enforcement to absorb.

 

“As we celebrate our fallen here today, we’re leaning on each other. We know that perseverance is possible because of the strength of our survivors have demonstrated year after year,” McQueen said.

 

State troopers and families laid flowers for their lost coworkers and loved ones. The ceremony ended with a 21-gun salute and flags were lowered to Taps. 

 

Retired state trooper Mark Collender said he did not know Ballard, but has heard many great things.

 

“I just heard about how he had a contagious smile, he was always a very positive person and engaged with people,” Collender said.

 

Collender served for 30 years and said a state trooper’s job is rewarding - despite the risks.

 

“Sometimes it’s helping somebody change a flat tire or giving directions or in some other way, all the way to the point of having to arrest somebody so they get steered in the direction of a different path,” Collender said. 

 

Cpl. Ballard's wife, Louise, and her family - escorted by current state troopers - laid a rose at the memorial in his honor.

 

Ballard’s funeral is Friday at the Chase Center on the Wilmington Riverfront 

 

Since 1923, 24 Delaware State troopers have lost their lives while on duty. 

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