Wife of Cpl. Ballard says ‘he wanted nothing more than to put on his uniform’
The Georgetown Circle was looking a little different Monday night as police, first responders and American flags filled the roadways and lawn at the center of town.
The evening was dedicated to fallen Delaware State trooper Cpl. Stephen Ballard, who lost his life in the line of duty.
Georgetown Mayor Billy West says, "Last Wednesday, 4/26/17, Cpl. Ballard gave the ultimate sacrifice. He encountered someone who didn't respect the uniform, respect the badge, respect the law or care about human life."
Community members standing side by side in solidarity for the life lost too soon. Cpl. Ballard dedicated his life to serving his community and it was for that reason that his wife Louise Cummings surprised everyone to give a special tribute.
She walked to the podium saying,"This is the first time that I've actually spoken publicly in person. Initially I didn't want to speak to anyone in the media and then I realized that Stephen's story needed to be told. He was a good man he loved his family, but that wasn't just me and Abagail, that was you, that was the community. You are his family."
The community, the family Ballard loved serving, honoring his service by lighting candles with the singing of the Beatles 'Let it be'.
An emotional yet powerful night that brought hundreds of people together to pay homage to a man who dedicated his life to putting others first.
Ballard's wife finishing her speech saying, "I know he's smiling down because he always wanted people to know how much he cared and how much loves you and this is just incredible so thank you, thank you so much."
Gov. West exclaiming to the crowd, "Cpl. Ballard is gone now but the citizens of this state will never forget he gave the ultimate sacrifice. God bless his family and God bless our law enforcement."
A public visitation will take place this Friday, May 5th from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington and following that, there will be a memorial service honoring the Corporal which starts at 11 a.m.
