Retired Lewes police officer honored
The walls of Council Chambers in Lewes City Hall were lined with police officers Feb. 12, as the city honored Sgt. David Lorah.
After 24 years of service to Lewes, Lorah officially retired Jan. 31. Mayor Ted Becker, Police Chief Tom Spell and Rep. Steve Smyk, R-Milton, each took their turn to say kind words about Lorah and wish him good luck on his future endeavors.
“I’m not here just because I’m the representative for this district. I’m here because I would be here anyway. He’s my friend,” said Smyk, a retired police officer. “I don’t think many people understand how important it is to have a presence like [Lewes] has provided to reduce crime before it occurs.”
Lorah graduated from the New Castle County Police Academy in 1988. He served in the Lewes Police Department from 1988 to 1994, when he joined the University of Delaware police force. In 1999, he returned to Lewes, where he remained until his retirement in January. He was promoted to corporal in 2007 and sergeant in 2012.
“I’ve been blessed to work in the town where I was born and raised and went to school,” he said. “It’s just something really special that I don’t think a lot of people get to do.”
Lorah thanked his co-workers for their friendship and support and his wife for holding the family together during his 29 years as a police officer.
“I cherish the time I had on patrol here,” he said. “I wish everyone the best of luck.”
Following presentations in city hall, Lorah hopped behind the wheel of a police cruiser one last time and drove down Third Street with the lights on as agencies from throughout Sussex County did a ceremonial last call in his honor.
Spell, who also became an officer in 1988, was happy to send his sergeant off with a fine gesture.
“Things have changed significantly since 1988,” he told Lorah. “Standing on that thin blue line for as long as you have is truly a remarkable thing, and you have served your community with professionalism. You’re definitely loved, and you’ll be missed.”
Locklear promoted
Filling Lorah’s vacant sergeant position on the force is James Locklear. Formerly a patrolman first class, Locklear’s officially moved up the ranks Feb. 14.
Locklear began his career in law enforcement with Georgetown Police Department after graduating from the 80th Delaware State Police Municipal Academy in 2008. After three years, Locklear left his hometown police department and joined Lewes’ force. Since 2011, Locklear has risen to a patrolman first class and became the department's detective.
Locklear is married with three children. He is a member of the Georgetown Volunteer Fire Company and Masons, Lodge 12.
Job open
Lorah’s retirement also means there is a vacant position to fill in the department. Spell will accept applications for a full-time police officer through Friday, March 9. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old upon completion of the police academy. Starting salary is about $51,000.
Applications may be downloaded at www.ci.lewes.de.us or a hard copy is available at Lewes City Hall, 114, E. Third St., Lewes.
