‘We’re back:’ Delmar Police now fully staffed, town officials say move increases public safety

DELMAR, Del. – “The legacy that he left will translate in the department. With people moving forward, we use it as that wakeup call that we won’t ever allow this to happen again,” Delmar Mayor Ben Jorden said.

Almost 2 years ago, Corporal Keith Heacook with the Delmar Police Department lost his life in the line of duty. The beloved officer responded to a call alone.

It was the result of understaffing and the worst possible outcome. At the time the department had a staff of only 7. “When you look at those numbers and you’ve got 7 people, there’s no math that can make that work 24-hours a day, 7 days a week,” Delmar Police Chief Ivan Barkley said.

“The event itself was an eye opener for us and things that we sometimes take for granted we realized you can’t do. ”

After continuing challenges with recruitment, the department is now fully staffed with 16 officers patrolling 24 hours a day.

It was a long road to get there, but Chief Barkley says it’s not just about finding the right person. The average officer must undergo 18 months of training before hitting the streets of Delmar. “And please understand that even though we are in difficult times, we’re not lowering our standards. We’re still looking at people who are the best fit for the community in which we serve,” Chief Barkley said.

With the additional manpower, Mayor Jorden and Chief Barkley say both the town and the department can deliver on their promise that safety is their top priority. “We’re checking on vacant houses, we’re in the neighborhoods, and we’re being seen. I think that’s what people want to see,” Chief Barkley said.

“Everybody can rest assure that they can lay asleep at night and not have to be scared, but that they have officers there to protect them,” Jorden said.

Chief Barkley says the department can now be more proactive instead of reactive, adding that community members can expect an increase in traffic stops to community and property checks.

Chief Barkley also tells 47ABC the connection between the department and the community is still strong.

It’s also important to note that the 2nd annual Heacook Fest is set to return on April 30th.

Money raised will go to support the Cpl. Keith Heacook Memorial Scholarship Fund.