Share: 

Back the Blue Rally on The Circle

Legislators, officials, residents gather to show support for local police
Police officers from throughout Sussex County salute the flag during the playing of the national anthem at a May 17 law enforcement support rally on The Circle in Georgetown. RON MACARTHUR PHOTOS
Ron MacArthur
May 21, 2021

“There is no doubt we have your back,” said Sen. Brian Pettyjohn, R-Georgetown, to the numerous police officers gathered May 16 on The Circle in Georgetown for the second annual law enforcement appreciation rally.

Pettyjohn organized the first rally last year and said he plans to make it an annual event. Several legislators and chiefs of police spoke, followed by members of the public who thanked police for their service.

Those attending the rally had slain Delmar Police Cpl. Keith Heacook on their minds. “Police sometimes have the feeling there's not a lot of support for them,” Pettyjohn said. “But when they saw how the community turned out for Cpl. Heacook, it renewed their faith.”

Delmar Police Chief Ivan Barkley said he has suffered through some dark days and low points over the past two weeks. Cpl. Heacook died April 28 from a vicious assault he suffered during an April 25 call.

“I wasn't really sure how the community felt about us, but after seeing the outpouring from the communities, I knew I'm where I'm supposed to be with the guys I'm supposed to be with,” he said.

Barkley said he has learned to lean on his friends. “And I've got a lot of friends,” he said.

“People are hurting. Having this event now means more than we can ever tell you,” said Seaford Police Chief Marshall Craft.

Rep. Steve Smyk, R-Milton, a retired Delaware State Police officer, urged police not to put down their badges. “Better times are coming. We've got your backs and may God bless you,” he said.

Sen. Ernie Lopez, R-Lewes, said the rally was a great way to show support but that everyone should reach down into their hearts and say a prayer and thank police everyday.

Other legislators in attendance included Sen. Dave Wilson, R-Bridgeville, Sen. Bryant Richardson, R-Seaford, Rep. Ruth Briggs King, R-Georgetown, Rep. Charles Postles, R-Milford, and Rep. Danny Short, R-Seaford. Sussex County Council President Mike Vincent, Sussex County Councilwoman Cindy Green and Sussex County Register of Wills Ellen Magee also spoke, thanking police for their dedication.

 

 

 

 

Sen. Brian Pettyjohn, R-Georgetown, organized the rally on The Circle. He said he’s committed to making the event an annual one.
Georgetown Police Chief R.L. Hughes, a retired DSP officer and president of the Sussex County Chiefs Association, stands at attention during the rally.
Sen. Brian Pettyjohn thanks Sussex County police chiefs for their dedicated service to their communities. Chiefs are (l-r) Scott Collins, Selbyville; Floyd Toomey, Ellendale; Marshall Craft, Seaford; John Devlin, Fenwick Island; Keith Banks, Rehoboth Beach; R.L. Hughes, Georgetown; and Ivan Barkley, Delmar.
Rays from the setting sun highlight the colors of United States flags flying on The Circle during a rally of support for law enforcement.
Georgetown Deputy Chief Ralph Holm bows his head as Georgetown Mayor Bill West offers an opening prayer.
Delmar Police Chief Ivan Barkley talks about how the community has rallied around the police department following the death of Cpl. Keith Heacook.
Rep. Steve Smyk, R-Milton, a retired Delaware State Police trooper, brought his father Steve to the rally. He’s a retired Wilmington, Elsmere and DSP officer.
Rehoboth Beach Police Chief Keith Banks, who is from Georgetown, tells the crowd that police can’t do their job without support from the community.
Rep. Danny Short, R-Seaford, whose father Wes was a DSP motorcycle officer, said downstate legislators definitely support police.
Julianne Murray, who ran against Gov. John Carney last year, joins with other members of the public to thank police for their service.
Seaford Police Chief Marshall Craft says officers deal with people in crisis everyday, and they need more training to deal with people on their worst days.

Most Popular

Most Popular