Dr. Marlene Saunders sworn in a Board of Trustees member

Staff Writer December 1, 2023Education, RSS-Education

New BOT member

Staff Writer

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UPDATE: Amber Alert canceled; case now a homicide investigation
THIS STORY HAS BEEN UPDATED The Amber Alert issued Tuesday evening for 3-year-old Nola Dinkins has been canceled, and the case is now being investigated as a homicide, according to New Castle County Police. The alert was issued after Nola’s mother reported that an unknown white male armed with a handgun had abducted the child from her vehicle on the 500 block of Gender Road in Newark. She told police she had pulled over to comfort her daughter when the man approached, took Nola, and fled in a dark-colored SUV driven by a white female. Following an overnight investigation involving the New Castle County Police Criminal Investigations Unit and the FBI, detectives determined the mother’s initial account was false. “There is no danger to the public,” police said in a statement. “Sadly, this incident is now being treated as a homicide investigation by the Maryland State Police.” Authorities have not yet released additional details regarding Nola’s whereabouts or any arrests made. New Castle County Police said they are continuing to work closely with the FBI and Maryland State Police, who are now leading the investigation. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Delaware State Fire Commission recognizes Middletown for requiring residential fire sprinklers
The Delaware State Fire Commission has formally honored the Town of Middletown for adopting a new ordinance requiring fire sprinkler systems in all newly built residential homes. During the ceremony, the Commission formally recognized Middletown’s recent decision to require residential fire sprinklers, proclaiming in honor of the ordinance passed by the Town Council on May 5. The measure mandates automatic fire sprinklers in all new one- and two-story dwellings, as well as townhouses. The Commission also recognized Paul Eichler, Chairperson of the Delaware Fire Sprinkler Coalition, for his role in supporting the ordinance and his broader efforts in fire safety education. RELATED STORY:Fire tax reform boosts funding for New Castle County Volunteer Fire Companies “We commend the Town of Middletown for taking this life-saving step and thank Chairperson Eichler for his tireless efforts in raising awareness about the importance of residential sprinklers,” said Ron Marvel, Chair of the Delaware State Fire Commission. Eichler worked closely with Middletown officials to provide technical guidance and public education materials during the ordinance’s development process. “These measures will protect families, save lives, and reduce the burden on our first responders.” With the adoption of this policy, Middletown becomes the latest Delaware municipality to require residential fire sprinklers, joining Lewes, Milton, and Newark.
Delaware State Police Major Peter Sawyer retires after more than 30 years of service
Major Peter Sawyer, who most recently served as Special Operations Officer at Delaware State Police Headquarters, has retired after a career spanning more than three decades in law enforcement. “For over thirty years, Major Pete Sawyer has served the citizens of Delaware with purpose, passion, and professionalism,” said Colonel William D. Crotty, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police. Sawyer began his career in 1993 with the Rehoboth Beach Police Department before joining the Delaware State Police in 1996 as a recruit in the 66th academy class. Shortly after completing field training at Troop 6, he was promoted to trooper. He went on to serve in a variety of roles, including patrol officer, detective, and sergeant in a specialized enforcement unit addressing drug-related and quality-of-life offenses. “From his early years with the Rehoboth Beach Police Department to nearly three decades with the Delaware State Police, Major Sawyer has been a voice for the voiceless and a steady presence during difficult times. His commitment to communication, collaboration, and inclusion defined his leadership, whether advancing investigative efforts or championing causes like the Special Olympic,” said Crotty. RELATED STORY:Hundreds of officers to join 39th Annual Delaware Torch Run for Special Olympics His leadership extended to the Governor’s Task Force and command positions at Troops 2 and 6, eventually overseeing major tactical and investigative operations. As Officer in Charge of the Tactical Control Unit and later Deputy Commander of the Criminal Investigations Unit in New Castle County, he led efforts to strengthen statewide public safety strategies. In 2010, Sawyer became a captain and took command of the Intelligence Unit within the Delaware Information Analysis Center, the state’s fusion center. In this position, he managed specialized units such as the Maritime Unit, High Technology Crimes Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, and the Electronic Surveillance Unit. He later led the Homicide Unit and, following his promotion to major in 2021, took charge of all DSP special operations. “Even in his final year of service, Major Sawyer remained devoted to the well-being of his fellow troopers by joining the DSP Peer-to-Peer Wellness Team. He continued to lead through support, compassion, and a deep investment in those around him. His impact as a law enforcement leader, mentor, and advocate will continue to shape the DSP long after his retirement.”

Dr. Marlene Saunders sworn in a Board of Trustees member

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