Corporal Dennis Kelly has been added to the Officer Down Memorial Page.

Dennis Francis Kelly:

Corporal Dennis Kelly (Delaware State Police) succumbed to injuries he received when he was injured in a helicopter crash on May 20, 1984, around 8:00 p.m...

Corporal Kelly and another officer were practicing routine takeoffs and landings at the Sussex County Airport (present-day Delaware Coastal Airport), located at 21553 Rudder Lane in Georgetown, Delaware. While landing, the helicopter flipped on its side. The other officer was able to escape the helicopter and pull Corporal Kelly from the aircraft.

Both officers were transferred to Peninsula General Hospital, where Corporal Kelly was treated for a broken neck causing paralysis. He remained a quadriplegic until passing away from spinal injury complications. The other officer survived his injuries.

Corporal Kelly had served with the Delaware State Police for seven years. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and two sisters.

Local Events:

September 18, 2025

Golf Outing for Thank You Ride

September 20, 2025- 10:00 am

Troop 6 Open House

September 29, 2025- 10:00 am

Blue Mass- St. John the Beloved- Milltown Road, Wilmington

October 6, 2025- 6:00 pm

COPS Meeting- DSP Museum

November 3, 2025- 6:00 pm

COPS Meeting- DSP Museum

December 1, 2025

DSP Memorial Service- St. Polycarp's- Smyrna, Delaware

December 7, 2025

Christmas Dinner and Blue Light Vigil

J

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