Lewes’ Only Fallen Soldier Honored At Zwaanendael Park

LEWES, Del. - Delaware leaders gathered with the Lewis community to honor the town's only fallen officer on Monday.

The event was organized by the granddaughter of Officer Charles Wilson Fletcher, who was killed at age 38 during a high-speed chase back in 1939.

Officer Fletcher was reportedly recognized three times over the past few years, but today's memorial was the first one in his own town.

The event was also to remind everyone that most communities are not as lucky to only have one fallen officer.

“We need to remember that other communities across this country have not had the same experience,” says Theodore Becker, mayor of Lewes. “Over the past decade, this country has seen a rise in the number of those who have been fatally injured while serving in the line of duty.”

According to the National Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial Fund, 111 officers were killed in the line of duty last year.