Captain James Paige
Troop 9, located in Odessa's historic district, has been proudly
serving the southern portion of New Castle County since 1971.
Troopers assigned to Troop 9 continue their dedicated service to
the citizens and visitors of southern New Castle County. Troop 9
is responsible for well over 200 square miles of patrol area,
extending from the Kent County line to about half way between
the C&D Canal and US 40. Patrol coverage also includes all of
DE-1 in New Castle County including the Christiana Mall.
Enveloping the Middletown/Odessa/Townsend area, Troop 9's
territory is one of continued growth. With this growth has come
additional traffic and crime. Troop 9 staffing included an average
of 30 uniformed troopers, three administrators, and three civilian
staff members. First line supervision is key to the success of any
organization. The supervision and leadership provided by
Sergeants Bond, McCarthy, Peden, and Samis enabled personnel
to meet the mission of the Delaware State Police.
Troop 9 has maintained DE-1 and the 896/301 corridor as areas
of priority enforcement, including a number of primary rural
thoroughfares. Troopers directed their enforcement efforts toward
"The Big Three." DUI, seatbelt, and speed/aggressive driving
enforcement. Troopers are responsible for the security of critical
infrastructure along Delaware 9, the four bridges crossing the
C&D Canal, and the Christiana Mall.
Troop 9 personnel managed 14,828 service calls in 2006. During
2006 troopers handled an 8% increase in complaints, generated a
6% increase in DUI arrests, a 35% increase in traffic arrests, and a
7.5% increase in criminal arrests. These increases resulted from
individual contributions, shift teamwork, and various operations
throughout the year.
In 2007 productivity of the troopers continued to increase significantly.
Troop 9 personnel handled 15,185 service calls, a two percent
increase over 2006. Troopers maintained DUI arrests,
showed a 28% increase in traffic arrests, and a 12% increase in
criminal arrests.
Troop 9 personnel were committed to addressing the aggressive
driver in 2006 and 2007. With a partnership with the Delaware
Office of Highway Safety, efforts focused on the major thoroughfares
including DE-1. Troop 9 personnel increased speeding
arrests on DE-1 by 41% and aggressive driving arrests by 37%.
The hard work and dedication of Troop 9 personnel was responsible
for a 55% reduction in fatal crashes in 2006. Fatal crashes
remained relatively unchanged in 2007.
Exemplary performances by individuals at Troop 9 throughout
the year contributed to the cumulative outstanding results. Master
Corporal Raymond Shatley, Master Corporal Erik Lochstoer,
Master Corporal Michael Hibbert, Corporal Melissa Ivans,
Corporal Stanley Jiminez, Trooper First Class Thomas Gaul and
Trooper Nicholas Shovlin were Troop 9's top traffic enforcers.
Master Corporal Michael Hibbert, Master Corporal Raymond
Shatley, Master Corporal Oliphant and Corporal Antoine
DeLoach were Troop 9's top seatbelt enforcers. Corporal Lenny
Aguilar, Corporal Helen Zane and Trooper First Class Thomas
Gaul were Troop 9's DUI aces. Corporal Antoine DeLoach,
Corporal O'Leary, Corporal Melissa Ivans, Corporal Richard
Long, Corporal Stanley Jiminez, Corporal Joshua Giddings and
Master Corporal Kurt Einbrod led the troop in criminal arrests.
Many of the initiatives and operations throughout 2006 and 2007
were successful because of community involvement. The Troop 9
administration has remained active in Odessa and Townsend,
reporting on criminal and traffic enforcement monthly at town
council meetings, and availing themselves for questions, remarks
or problem-solving. Participating in these meetings has continued
a strong rapport with town officials and has affirmed the
approachability of the Delaware State Police to the town citizens.
As the community continues to grow, the dedicated men and
women of Troop 9 will adapt to the area's needs for service with
pride, loyalty, excellence, and professionalism.
