Corporal Dennis Francis Kelly, Delaware State Police, Delaware

Corporal Dennis Francis Kelly

Delaware State Police, Delaware

End of Watch Saturday, December 21, 2024

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Dennis Francis Kelly

Corporal Dennis Kelly succumbed to injuries he received when he was injured in a helicopter crash on May 20, 1984, around 8:00 p.m.

Corporal Kelly and another officer were practicing routine takeoffs and landings at the Sussex County Airport (present-day Delaware Coastal Airport), located at 21553 Rudder Lane in Georgetown, Delaware. While landing, the helicopter flipped on its side. The other officer was able to escape the helicopter and pull Corporal Kelly from the aircraft.

Both officers were transferred to Peninsula General Hospital, where Corporal Kelly was treated for a broken neck causing paralysis. He remained a quadriplegic until passing away from spinal injury complications. The other officer survived his injuries.

Corporal Kelly had served with the Delaware State Police for seven years. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and two sisters.

Bio

Age 69
Tour 7 years
Badge 394

Incident Details

Cause Aircraft accident
Incident Date Sunday, May 20, 1984

helicopter crash, training

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The true measure of a person
is not found in the
might of their arm,
their wealth
or their power –
it is found in the strength
of their character.

There is no greater testimony to
ones character, than ones
willingness to sacrifice all,
in the noble quest of
providing protection to all
whom they serve.

Author Unknown

Javier Cornejo
Police Officer, Retired
City of Milwaukee Police Department
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

February 12, 2025