Tfc. Patrick Jackson named Trooper of the Year
Trooper First Class Patrick Jackson of Troop 7 patrol has been named 2013 Trooper of the Year.
At a ceremony at Delaware State Troopers Association Hall Feb. 26, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr. honored Jackson and Civilian of the Year C. Renee Rigby.
A press release following the ceremony states Jackson, 30, a former Bethany Beach police officer, began his state police career in 2011. In January 2012, he was assigned to Troop 7 patrol in Lewes, where the Lewes resident quickly established a reputation as an excellent investigator.
Among other accomplishments, in early January 2013, Jackson conducted a traffic stop in the Angola area and during interviews obtained the name of a suspect in a number of burglaries in the area. Jackson researched old complaints, obtained an address for the suspect and learned he was wanted in Pennsylvania for parole violations. Jackson and other troopers responded to the address of the suspect, but a lengthy foot chase took place before the man was captured. The arrest helped solve more than 100 crimes including theft of firearms, a robbery and numerous burglaries.
In March, Jackson was able to calm a suspect who had failed to take medication for mental illness. Jackson kept him calm until other troopers arrived so he could be taken into custody for treatment.
Coupe said Jackson's composed demeanor also led to a peaceful resolution in July 2013 when a West Point graduate with no criminal record took a hallucinogenic drug to deal with the suicide of a military friend. Jackson skillfully resolved what could have become a volatile situation.
Jackson also volunteers in after-school programs in Cool Spring and West Rehoboth. He meets with children, helps with homework, mentors and conducts outdoor activities, including getting other troopers to help install a volleyball net in West Rehoboth.
Renee Rigby is top civilian
Named Civilian of the Year was Rigby, who has worked at the State Bureau of Identification since she began her career with Delaware State Police in January 1994.
As assistant director of the bureau, Rigby now directly supervises four sections and is indirectly responsible for the activities of about 50 civilian employees.
Mrs. Rigby is always friendly with her co-workers, supervisors, and members of the public. She was nominated by the SBI staff because of her unfailing dedication to her faith, family, co-workers, and state police.
