DSP remember life of fallen trooper
Dozens of state leaders, law enforcement, and family and friends of Trooper First Class (TFC) William Mayer gathered in Smyrna on Wednesday to honor the fallen trooper.
Superintendent Colonel Nathaniel McQueen, Jr. of the Delaware State Police was also at the event, which unveiled a bright blue sign that stands on U.S. 13 just north of East Glenwood Avenue. It’s placed there in honor of TFC Mayer.
“We as a family of troopers, we support the family long after the trooper has passed and continue to be there with them. It’s been sixty years and they’re here, and we’re here.” Says Colonel McQueen.
During his sixth year with Delaware State Police, TFC Mayer was killed during a routine traffic stop in August 1955. He and his partner reportedly pulled over a pick-up-truck to warn the driver that his tail-lights were not working.
As TFC Mayer spoke with the driver, we’re told a tractor-trailer ran off the road and struck the driver’s side of the truck. Because of the impact, police say Mayer was pinned between the trooper vehicle and the truck before he ultimately died of massive internal hemorrhaging.
According to the reports, neither the drivers of the truck or tractor-trailer sustained injuries.
47 ABC spoke to Charles Nabb, a retired lieutenant with Delaware State Police, at Wednesday’s memorial. Nabb tells us he only sustained minor injuries that night, but he was more concerned about his partner.
“When I got out of the police car, I found him under the police car. Under the rear of it.” Says Nabb.
Nabb says his partner died on the scene but if it was not for TFC Mayer’s kindness, he might have faced this deadly fate.
“I started to get out and he started to get out and he grabbed my arm, Bill did. And he said, you look tired Charlie. Let me get it and he got out. Next thing I know, there was a terrible crash.” Says Nabb.
Colonel McQueen was sworn in to his position in 2012 and says memorials are not the only way police honor their fallen troopers. He says it’s about representing the brotherhood and sisterhood for every officer: past, present, and future.
“Your career here at Delaware State Police is a short time but that legacy goes on before you were here and it’ll go on after you leave, so that’s what it means to be a part of the brotherhood.” He says.
According to Delaware State Police, 22 troopers have lost their lives in the line of duty since 1923.
