Corporal Stephen Jamelle Ballard

I still remember that day pulling onto Route 40 after conducting a follow up from a recent call out several nights prior and seeing the numerous police cars flying 40 westbound. I could tell something big had happened and I could hear the radio traffic but I was still not sure exactly what it was that was going on or what had just happened, I only knew all units were responding to the Wawa so I proceeded there as well. I continued listening intently to the radio in the hopes that I would get some sort of understanding as to what was happening as I continued on but I still was not aware of what was transpiring. It was only when I arrived that I found out what had happened and of course nothing could have prepared me for what waited for me upon my arrival. I remember interviewing that first witness and trying to fight back that nauseating feeling and the wave emotions that would certainly overcome me much later that evening when I was alone and I allowed them to take over. I remember thinking about how many times myself and other LE stopped and investigated, followed up or just grabbed a bite at that very same Wawa. And I certainly remember thinking of your family and incredible pain and suffering that they would be going through from this point moving forward.

Ironically, one of the last times I actually saw or spoke with you was about 2.5 months earlier at one of Delaware's other incredibly dark days that year, when Lt. Floyd was killed at the Vaughn riots. Hard to believe it's been 4 years already but your memory and legacy has surely not faded nor will it ever among your law enforcement brethren and law enforcement family. I hope you're up there with some of the other incredibly brave and honorable men and women who gave it all and sacrificed for their respective states, towns cities, etc., and are watching over your fellow law enforcement.

God Speed Stephen and may God always bless and watch over your family. We may say thank you on this day but we honor and remember you every day.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

April 26, 2021