Delaware State Police Honor Corporal Robert Prettyman and Reverend Jeffrey A. Miller, Sr. as 2025 Award Recipients
State of DE - The Delaware State Police recognized two of their own during a special awards ceremony held Tuesday, April 21, 2026. The event honored outstanding members of the division through the annual Trooper of the Year and Professional Staff of the Year Awards.
The ceremony drew several high-profile attendees. Governor Matt Meyer, Chief Deputy Attorney General Dan Logan, Department of Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Joshua Bushweller, Colonel William D. Crotty, and Sergeant Shawn Doherty, President of the Delaware State Troopers Association, were all present and offered congratulatory remarks.
Trooper of the Year: Corporal Robert Prettyman
The Trooper of the Year Award is given each year to one sworn employee who stands out among their peers. The recipient is recognized for outstanding character and integrity, and for going well above and beyond what was expected of them during that calendar year.
This year, Colonel Crotty and the Executive Staff selected Corporal Robert Prettyman of Troop 5 as the 2025 Trooper of the Year. He was chosen from a field of twelve nominees for his exceptional efforts and contributions to the division and the citizens of Delaware.
The twelve nominees considered for the award were Trooper First Class Colin Osler from Troop 1, Detective Justin Adams from Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit, Trooper First Class Jonathan Lado from Troop 2 Patrol, and Detective Brandon Yencer from Troop 3 Criminal Investigations Unit.
Also nominated were Trooper First Class Jacob Pangle from Troop 3 Patrol, Detective Heidi Lingo from Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit, Trooper First Class Brian Nieto from Troop 4 Patrol, and Corporal/1 Matthew "Ty" Snook from Troop 5. Rounding out the nominations were Corporal/1 Ryan Nowakowski from Troop 7, Corporal Emanuel Velez from Troop 9, and Detective Michael Macauley from Headquarters.
Professional Staff of the Year: Reverend Jeffrey A. Miller, Sr.
The Professional Staff of the Year Award recognizes one non-sworn employee whose service to the Delaware State Police has been outstanding throughout the year. It is a meaningful honor that highlights the important role support staff play within the division.
Colonel Crotty and the Executive Staff selected Reverend Jeffrey A. Miller, Sr. as the 2025 recipient. Reverend Miller is assigned to Troop 2 and also serves as a Chaplain for the division. He was chosen from a group of eleven nominees.
The nominees for Professional Staff of the Year included Ms. Mayra Cruz-Chavez from Victim Services, Ms. Ashleigh Haines from the State Bureau of Identification, Ms. Sonia Jonas from Troop 3, Mr. Barry Laise from KENTCOM, and Ms. Kerry-Gene Lussier from Information Technology. Also nominated were Ms. Heather Neeld from RECOM, Ms. Donna Newth-Showell from Troop 6, Mr. Schyler Outten from SUSCOM, Ms. Nicole Sund from the Delaware Information Analysis Center, and Mr. Robert Zurlo from Troop 5 Transportation.
Additional Awards Presented
The ceremony also included recognition beyond the two main awards. Troopers, professional staff, and non-divisional members received awards for Life Saving, Exceptional Performance, the Superintendent's Citation, and Valor.
Congratulations to all nominees and recipients on this well-deserved recognition.
