Captain Charles J. (Chip) Simpson

The jurisdiction of Delaware State Police Troop 4, located on US Route 113 in Georgetown, encompasses a 335 square mile service area, covering the south central and eastern corridor of Sussex County. Troop 4 houses criminal investigators, Governor's Task Force and Sussex Drug Task Force, as well as uniformed patrol personnel. (Drug Task Force was changed to Sussex Drug Unit in 2007) The criminal investigation units are responsible for investigating all significant and/or serious crimes committed throughout the entire county. The Drug Task Force and Governor's Task Force concentrate on quality of life issues prevalent in many communities throughout the county.

During 2006, Troop 4 was staffed by approximately 74 sworn personnel comprised of patrol officers, criminal investigators, school resource officers, DARE officers, Governor's Task Force members, Drug Unit members, and administrators as well as four civilians (DARE was eliminated in 2007). In May 2006, Captain Charles J. (Chip) Simpson assumed command at Troop 4 following the transfer of Captain Timothy E. Winstead, who became the Director of the Human Resources Section.

In 2006, Sussex County's population continued to increase dramatically, resulting in a proportionate increase in demands for police services by Troop 4 personnel. Troop 4 patrol troopers continued to be at the forefront of several proactive law enforcement initiatives. During 2006, patrol personnel made 10,035 traffic arrests and 476 driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs arrests (2007: 11,277 traffic arrests and 452 DUI). Additionally, patrol troopers handled over 11,555 traffic and criminal complaints and made 2,415 criminal arrests (2007: 11,873 traffic and criminal complaints and made1,974 criminal arrests). Troop 4's criminal investigators made 6,909 criminal arrests and recovered approximately $259,971 worth of stolen property (2007: 8,022 criminal arrests and recovered $329,211 worth of stolen property). Troop 4 personnel continued to solve crime and produce remarkable clearance rates, which far surpassed the national averages in both major crimes and property crimes. Detectives investigated over 2,883 cases in 2006 and 3,209 in 2007.

Troop 4 was instrumental in developing the School Resource Officer (SRO) program in Sussex County. Since the mid 1990s, this program has positively impacted the lives of children and their families, by addressing concerns at pivotal and developmental ages. The program includes all school districts in Sussex County, encompassing 40 schools. Youth Aid Division members were also responsible for security during the Senior League Girls World Series Softball Tournament held in August at the Lower Sussex Little League complex located in Roxana. Teams from across the country, as well as, from Canada, the Netherlands, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines were in attendance.

Members of the Governor's Task Force (GTF) continued to serve the entire Sussex County community, working closely with the newly established Sussex Drug Task Force (DTF). During 2006, these units seized firearms, currency and a significant quantity of illegal drugs destined for area communities. Through their combined efforts, the units handled 537 cases and made a total of 1,327 criminal arrests (2007: 762 cases and 2,018 total criminal arrests). They seized 1,066 grams of cocaine, 3,054 grams of crack cocaine, 31 grams of heroin, and 9,401 grams of marijuana (2007: 2,352 grams cocaine, 1,803 grams crack cocaine, and 40,465 grams of marijuana). Additionally, these teams seized in excess of $81,000 in suspected drug proceeds (2007 seizure total was $153,845). The units worked in known high drug and crime areas, and were called upon to assist with several significant multi-jurisdictional crime sweeps including the highly successful Laurel Operation in June. May 2007 in West Rehoboth "Operation Rip Tide" focused on open air drug sales on Norwood Street. Eighteen defendants were arrested on a total of 82 criminal charges. The investigation also resulted in the first seizure of a residential property using the Attorney General's Drug and Social Vices Abatement Strategy.

The Divisional "Exceptional Performance" award was earned by Troop 4 members including: Corporal/1 Andrew Partyka, TFC Keith McCabe, Detective Rex Mears, Detective John Messick, Detective Alan T. Seeney, Detective Robert Truitt, Detective Gerald Windish, Detective Lance Skinner, and Detective Shawn Wright.

Troop 4 continued its longstanding tradition of facilitating Division programs at Camp Barnes. From its existence in 1947, the camp has provided deserving youth with the opportunity to experience life at a traditional summer camp, with the hope of reducing and eliminating juvenile crime and delinquency. The 34th and 35th Annual Camp Barnes Stock Car Race was held at Delmar International Speedway under the direction of School Resource Officer Preston Lewis. The race raised money for Camp Barnes and featured drivers from several states

During the summer of 2006, Camp Barnes, under the direction of Master Corporal Brendan Warner, continued its tradition of providing children between the ages of 10-13 to attend the camp free of charge. The camp runs for six weeks during the summer months and is staffed by troopers from throughout the state. In 2007 Master Corporal Randy Ramirez assumed the camp directors position upon the retirement of Cpl. Warner.

Troop 4 personnel continue to maintain steadfast in their commitment to the Delaware State Police mission of "providing the citizens and visitors of Delaware with professional, competent and compassionate law enforcement services." The year proved to be very productive for both patrol and criminal investigative units and the men and women at Troop 4 look forward to the many new challenges they face during the upcoming year.