New Castle County Executive Thomas P. Gordon ordered County flags flown at half-staff Monday morning in observance of the 43rd anniversary of the death of New Castle County Police Officer, Corporal Paul J. Sweeney.
Corporal Sweeney passed away on November 30, 1972 from injuries he received one month earlier after an automobile accident. Corporal Sweeney was struck from behind as he was driving on Concord Pike near Independence Mall. The patrol car he was driving burst into flames as a result.
Corporal Sweeney served with New Castle County Police for four years and was posthumously promoted to rank of Corporal. He was survived by his wife and two children.
In 2006, the New Castle County Public Safety Buidling was named in Corporal Sweeney's honor.
The County Executive ordered the flags flown at half-staff at the conclusion of the solemn End of Watch ceremony held for Corporal Sweeney at the Public Safety Building. New Castle Chief of Police, Colonel E.M. Setting and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 President, Michael Zielinski provided remarks in remembrance of Cpl. Sweeney. Uniformed Officers from Patrol, Mounted Patrol and the Criminal Investigations Unit stood in formation to honor Cpl. Paul J. Sweeney as the flag was lowered.
New Castle County Alumni Association Members and recruits from the 41st New Castle County Police Academy were also in attendance.