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DRBA Police Department welcomes face shields donation

Louise Cummings honors husband’s sacrifice with statewide effort
May 9, 2020

The Delaware River and Bay Authority Police Department recently received a donation of 65 face shields to help ensure its officers are protected against the COVID-19 pandemic. All DRBA officers are now equipped with N-95 respirator masks, nitrile disposable gloves, and face shields.

Louise Cummings, whose husband Delaware State Trooper Cpl. Stephen Ballard was killed in the line of duty in April 2017, launched the fundraising effort to purchase PPE for troopers and other law enforcement officers in Delaware. Through her efforts, the DRBA Police Department is one of many law enforcement agencies in the State of Delaware to receive this PPE donation.

“We’re extremely grateful to be one of the agencies to receive this generous and thoughtful donation,” said Richard Arroyo, DRBA police administrator. “Her efforts to aid police officers on the front lines during this crisis is a fitting tribute to her husband’s memory.”

“On the third anniversary of my husband’s death, I felt I had to do something to make sure our law enforcement professionals are protected against this deadly virus,” Cummings said. “My goal is to care for our law enforcement officers the way I would have wanted my husband to be cared for during such a challenging time. God bless our first responders!”

Cummings’ fundraising campaign, which can be found at www.gofundme.com/f/honorballardcovid19, has raised more than $8,000 to purchase and distribute PPE to law enforcement professionals in Delaware. Cummings is coordinating with Hardwire LLC, a Maryland vendor that is providing the face shields at bulk pricing.

About the Delaware River and Bay Authority
The DRBA, a bi-state governmental agency created by Compact in 1962, owns and operates the Delaware Memorial Bridge, the Cape May- Lewes Ferry, and the Forts Ferry Crossing. The DRBA also manages corporate and aviation properties through its economic development powers - two airports in New Jersey (Millville Airport and Cape May Airport) and three in Delaware (New Castle Airport, Civil Air Terminal and Delaware Airpark). All DRBA operating revenues are generated through the bridge, ferry and airport facilities. For more information, go to www.drba.net.

 

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