Corporal Stephen Ballard, Delaware State Police | End of Watch: April 26th, 2017

Today marks eight years since our beloved Corporal Ballard was murdered in a Wawa parking lot, and taken away from his family and loved ones, a day that will stay with us forever. He was not "just" taken away from them, it was a loss to all of us, no matter what our occupation, or where we lived; a deep sadness spread across our small state, reached across the country, and touched all of us deeply and profoundly. There were memorial vigils quickly organized; one in Georgetown and one in Dover I believe; places where we went to gather, stand together, and mourn together, for a life brutally cut short.

Cpl. Stephen Ballard, Delaware State Police • E.O.W. 4/26/17

"I didn't know you and I probably would never have met you."



Thursday, May 4th, 2017:

This past week, as our state grieved, as our officers mourned, as we began to learn about a life cut short, we now know a little bit about Cpl. Stephen Ballard. As strangers joined together at the place where his life was taken, as we gathered in the darkness on Monday night and held candles to honor his service and sacrifice, we became aware of his family and loved ones and accomplishments and dedication.