Dewey Beach police officers recognized

Dewey Beach police officers Carl Kurten and Jack Kane were promoted and honored at the April 21 commissioners meeting.

Chief Constance Speake promoted Kurten to corporal, stating the former patrolman first class was a 24-year veteran who has served in Virginia, Maryland and Delaware as a K-9 handler, school resource officer and certified instructor.

“My trust in your skill, dedication and abilities made my decision easy to have you take the lead in reestablishing our K-9 unit as its first handler in years,” Speake said. “I am delighted to have a person of your integrity, knowledge and background to step into your new role as a supervisor and K-9 handler.”

The Milton VFW Post 6984 presented Patrolman First Class Jack Kane with the Officer of the Year Award for his actions in saving six people and a dog from an April 2022 fire that damaged three homes in Dewey Beach. 

Fenwick Island Police Department Cpl. Chris Story, a member of Milton VFW Post 6984 and former part-time Dewey Beach police officer, said after the fire, when Kane was on his way home after his shift, he heard a call for a critical medical emergency.

“Just as he did hours before, he did not hesitate to help,” Short said, noting that Kane joined a Delaware State Police officer in performing CPR on the individual, saving that person’s life.

After Story presented a certificate and $100 check to Kane from Post 6984, he said Kane was also the recipient of the State of Delaware VFW National Law Enforcement Award for his highly professional record of service, and admiration of his peers and the public he serves.

“This honor reflects the proud ideals and high standards of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States,” Story said, and presented Kane with a $500 check.