Anthony Andrews of Sussex named trooper of the year

Delaware State Police Superintendent Col. Robert Coupe announced this year’s trooper of the year is Tfc. Anthony Andrews of Troop 5 in Bridgeville. Coupe made the announcement Wednesday, June 30, at Wilmington University’s Dover campus during an awards ceremony.

Coupe commended Andrews for his outstanding efforts and contributions to the division and the citizens of Delaware. Andrews was actively involved in 12 drug-related investigations in 2009, and many of those investigations started as traffic stops in which Andrews’ initiative resulted in solving bigger cases. Andrews’ relentless efforts were instrumental in numerous drug investigations being brought to successful conclusions by the Sussex County Drug Task Force, stated Sgt. Walter Newton in a press release.

Several of the traffic stops not only resulted in police seizing drugs and paraphernalia. They also found weapons, and identified a sex offender and fugitives. One of the fugitives was wanted on burglary charges from Florida, and the sex offender had been a fugitive from New Castle County since 2007. One traffic stop for a seat belt and littering violation resulted in Andrews locating a loaded handgun in the driver’s waistband.

Newton stated Andrews is always willing to assist the Sussex County Drug Task Force by providing confidential informants, assistance with surveillance and search warrant executions. A few of the more notable seizures included $4,400 in cash, 161 grams of marijuana, 7 pounds of marijuana and $14,000 cash.

Coupe stated Andrews consistently demonstrates tremendous initiative, and his reputation when providing reliable information to criminal investigation units is unmatched at his troop and in Sussex County. Andrews not only provides accurate intelligence to the detectives, but he also knows and understands the importance of being actively involved whenever his assistance is requested, Coupe noted.