Memorial service held for fallen officers in Delaware
DOVER, Del. (WPVI) -- Delaware leaders and law enforcement held a memorial service for the state's fallen officers on Wednesday.
The tribute is happening one week after the murder of State Police Corporal Stephen Ballard, and a few months after the death of Sergeant Steven Floyd during a prison takeover.
The Delaware Fraternal Order of Police hosted the event outside Legislative Hall in Dover.
The ceremony is an annual event, but the recent loss of the two officers made for an especially somber occasion.
Cpl. Ballard's name was the last to be called on a roster of 24 troopers who were honored. As others before her did when the name of each officer was called, Ballard's widow, Louise, laid a single rose at a granite memorial.
Ballard died after he was shot at a Wawa store in Bear late last month. The suspect was then killed by police gunfire after a lengthy standoff.
"Our hearts are hurting, and I know I speak for all of Delawareans that our thoughts and prayers are with Cpl. Ballard's family," said Gov. John Carney.
The service also recognized Lt. Steven Floyd, the corrections officer who was killed during the prison riot and hostage situation in Smyrna, Delaware back in February.
"It still hits you in the heart," said Robert Kwiatkowski, who is retired from New Castle County Police. "It's family, it's a brotherhood, and when one of us goes, when something happens to one of us, we all feel the pain."
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