The name of a road in Glasgow is changing to honor a Delaware State Police (DSP) trooper killed almost three years ago.
Cpl. Stephen Ballard was shot and killed in the line-of-duty in April 2017 after approaching a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of a Wawa gas-station in Bear.
Now, LaGrange Avenue where Delaware State Police Troop 2 is located will become Cpl/1 Stephen J. Ballard Way.
Ballard’s widow - Louise Cummings - called last week’s ceremony marking the change a happy and sad day.
“It was just awesome, because Troop 2 was where, unfortunately, he ended his career, but a place where that he really felt connected to in serving the community," said Cummings. "And the other location on the street is Keene Elementary School and that’s one of the locations where we have Ballard’s Reading Buddies.”
Cummings adds that the name change gives her hope and inspiration.
“This sign will be here for years to come," said Cummings. "I often say it’ll actually outlive - even if Stephen lived to be 100-years-old and had an impact in that way - this sign is going to have an even bigger impact, because everyone that drives by and sees it, everyone….kids that aren’t even born yet, will look up one day and say - who is Cpl. Stephen Ballard?”
Cummings says when Ballard was on patrol and encountered people who had made bad choices, he still expressed care and kindness in an effort to make people better.
During the ceremony, DelDOT presented Cummings and her mom with replica street signs.
