Delaware State Police To Honor Trooper’s Line-of-duty Sacrifice

The Delaware State Police will recognize Corporal Dennis F. Kelly for his line-of-duty sacrifice by adding his name to several law enforcement memorials. (Photo provided by DSP.)

The Delaware State Police will recognize Corporal Dennis F. Kelly for his line-of-duty sacrifice by adding his name to several law enforcement memorials. Kelly’s service and enduring resilience following a 1984 helicopter crash have left a lasting impact on the agency and law enforcement community.

Corporal Kelly, originally from Wilmington, served with the Delaware State Police for seven years and was assigned to the Aviation Section. On May 20, 1984, during helicopter takeoff and landing exercises at Sussex County Municipal Airport in Georgetown, Kelly and his partner, Corporal Thomas W. Robbins, were involved in a crash. Their Bell Jet Ranger 206B helicopter made a hard landing and rolled over, causing Kelly to suffer a broken neck and spinal cord injury, resulting in quadriplegia. Robbins sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Despite living with the effects of the crash for four decades, Kelly displayed strength and resilience until he succumbed to complications from his injuries on December 21, 2024, at the age of 69.

In May 2025, Kelly’s name will be added to the Delaware State Police Memorial at DSP Headquarters in Dover, as well as the Delaware Law Enforcement Memorial on Legislative Mall. He will be the 24th trooper honored on the DSP Memorial. His name will also be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., in May 2026.

“Dennis felt privileged to be part of the Delaware State Police family,” stated Mrs. Paula Kelly, wife of Cpl. Dennis Kelly.

“A guy who never considered himself lucky thought he hit the lottery when he joined the Aviation Section—getting paid to do what he loved. I know he would be humbled and honored by this acknowledgment of his helicopter accident and the life he lived over the past 40 years,” she said.

The Delaware State Police extended their deepest sympathies to Kelly’s family, friends, and fellow troopers, reflecting on his enduring impact within the agency.

“Corporal Kelly’s resilience in the face of life-changing injuries and his decades-long struggle to live with honor reflect the very essence of what it means to wear this uniform,” stated Colonel William D. Crotty, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police. “His name will now be etched alongside our fallen heroes, where it rightfully belongs.”

State leaders also joined in recognizing Kelly’s sacrifice. Governor Matt Meyer emphasized the broader risks that officers face, both in daily operations and in training.

“In the line of duty, our officers face not only the dangers of their daily work but also the unforeseen challenges that come with their training,” stated Governor Matt Meyer. “The tragic loss of Corporal Kelly underscores the sacrifices made by those committed to community service. His dedication and spirit will remain in our memories. We stand united in honoring his legacy and supporting his family during this challenging time.”

A tribute page dedicated to his life and legacy is available at StoriesOfHisLife.com. As part of National Police Week in May, the Delaware Fraternal Order of Police will host the annual Delaware Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Service at 1200 hours on May 7, at Legislative Mall in Dover.