Corporal Paul John Sweeney

Paul 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.