The Wilmington Police Department honors the memory of those members of our agency who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the City of Wilmington. On an annual basis, the department holds a Memorial Ceremony to honor the nine men and one woman who have died in the line of duty while serving the department.

OFFICER JOHN F. BAYLIS – END OF WATCH SEPTEMBER 9, 1863

Officer Baylis was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man at a home on 6th Street. During the arrest the suspect shot Officer Baylis, twice, killing him instantly. Officer Baylis was the first officer to be killed in the line of duty in the State of Delaware.  He was survived by his wife and seven children.

OFFICER ANDREW T. PETERSON – END OF WATCH JUNE 27, 1885

Officer Peterson was shot and killed after responding to reports of a domestic disturbance 

OFFICER CHARLES W. SCHULTZ – END OF WATCH JANUARY 30, 1891

Officer William Schultz was shot and killed as he attempted to question two men who matched the description of theft suspects.  Officer Schultz had served with the Wilmington Department of Police for two years. He was survived by his wife and five children.

PATROLMAN FRANCIS X. TIERNEY – END OF WATCH MARCH 6, 1915

Patrolman Francis Tierney was shot and killed as he and three other officers attempted to arrest two suspicious men who were attempting to pawn two watches.  Patrolman Tierney had served with the department for only three months. He was survived by his fiancée.

PATROLMAN THOMAS L. ZEBLEY – END OF WATCH NOVEMBER 13, 1919

Patrolman Thomas Zebley was shot and killed as he and another officer attempted to serve a warrant on two thieves for stealing several firearms. During the arrest, one of the suspects opened fire with one of the stolen revolvers, fatally wounding Patrolman Zebley. The other officer was also wounded. Patrolman Zebley had served with the department for eleven years. He was a widower and had no surviving children.

POLICE MATRON MARY T. DAVIS – END OF WATCH MAY 11, 1924

Matron Mary Davis was beaten to death by a female prisoner in the Wilmington jail during an escape attempt. Matron Davis had served with the Wilmington Department of Police for four-teen years.  She is the second known female law enforcement to ever be killed in the line of duty. She was survived by her four children and is buried in Mount Salem Cemetery, Wilmington, Delaware.

PATROLMAN HOWARD P. ATWELL – END OF WATCH JUNE 29, 1926

Patrolman Howard Atwell was killed in a motorcycle accident while pursuing a vehicle.  He had served with the department for eleven years.

PATROLMAN MILTON A. WIMBROW – END OF WATCH DECEMBER 31, 1931

Patrolman Milton Wimbrow was killed in a motorcycle accident while on patrol.  He had served with the Wilmington Department of Police for one and a half years.  He was survived by his wife and 9-year-old daughter. Patrolman Wimbrow’s great-grandson went on to serve as a Delaware State Police Trooper.

PATROLMAN WILLARD E. PRUITT JR. – END OF WATCH JULY 7, 1944

Patrolman Willard Pruitt was killed in a motorcycle accident when a vehicle disregarded a ‘slow’ sign, striking him while on routine patrol.  He had served with the Wilmington Department of Police for seven years.

DETECTIVE THOMAS P. CONATY JR – END OF WATCH DECEMBER 26, 1946

Detective Conaty was shot and killed while questioning two youths, ages 15 and 17, about the burglary of several revolvers from a store. One of the suspects was apprehended at the scene and the other was apprehended the next day. Detective Conaty had served with the agency for 6 years. He was survived by his wife and 3 children.