New Castle County Police Department, Delaware
End of Watch Thursday, November 30, 1972
Add to My HeroesPaul John Sweeney
Corporal Paul Sweeney succumbed to injuries and burns received one month earlier when his patrol car was struck from behind and burst into flames.
Corporal Sweeney was driving on Concord Pike, near Independence Mall, when the accident occurred.
The 16-year-old driver of the vehicle that struck Corporal Sweeney's patrol car was charged with reckless driving but the charge was upgraded to manslaughter when the officer passed away.
Corporal Sweeney had served with the New Castle County Police Department for 4 years and was posthumously promoted to rank of of Corporal. He is survived by his wife and two children.
In 2006 the new New Castle County Police Department's new headquarters building was named in Corporal Sweeney's honor.
Bio
- Age 26
- Tour 4 years
- Badge 41
Incident Details
- Cause Automobile crash
- Incident Date Friday, October 20, 1972
Most Recent Reflection
View all 21 ReflectionsCpl. Sweeney,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of New Castle. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
November 30, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Nathaniel Ansay
Florence County Sheriff's Office, SC
EOW: May 20, 2025

Lieutenant Allen "Noochie" Credeur
Rayne Police Department, LA
EOW: May 5, 2025

Special Deputy Sheriff Larry Henderson, Jr.
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, OH
EOW: May 2, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Brandon Ray Sikes
Columbia County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: April 26, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Jesse Perez
Dawson County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 22, 2025

Captain Helio Armando Garcia, III
South Fulton Police Department, GA
EOW: April 16, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Melissa Pollard
Wood County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 9, 2025

Deputy Sheriff William May
Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: April 2, 2025

Police Officer Osmar Rodarte
Marysville Police Department, CA
EOW: March 26, 2025