Sean Patrick McDerby, of Hockessin, Del. died Tuesday, May 14, 2024. He was appointed a Trooper on April 1, 1998 and graduated from the 68th Academy Recruit Class.
Upon graduation he did his Field Training at Troop 3, Camden and Troop 7, Five Points. Upon completion of Field Training he was assigned to Troop 1, Penny Hill; then Troop 2, Glasgow; Troop 6, Prices Corner. He was honored to mentor Recruit Troopers as a Field Training Officer.
On March 7, 2011 Sean was transferred to the Aviation Section, North Unit as a Trooper Medic. Sean’s last assignment with DSP was as a paramedic within the Aviation Section. During his tenure within the section, Sean’s compassion and proficiency were always on display. Sean was the first member of DSP to be nationally certified as a “Flight Paramedic.”
Sean had battled horrific health issues for 30 years. He never would have completed 23 years of service if it were not for generous and caring members of the DSP family donating sick time to Sean when his own benefits were exhausted. Yes, the Delaware State Police is definitely a family.
As Sean prepared to retire, in part, he wrote this to members of the DSP family; “In 2014, while I was being treated for cancer in Washington state, I was blessed with the birth of my daughter, Quinn. Quinn is now 7 (9) and will always remember her dad as being a Delaware State Trooper. For this I am forever grateful.”
Sean further stated; “It has been an amazing career and an absolute honor to serve with each and every one of you. Words can never express just how blessed and thankful I am to be a part of the DSP family. God bless all of you, be safe and continue to take care of one another.”
Sean is survived by his daughter, Quinn Sinead; his parents, Kevin and Diana; his sister, Kimberly Showalter (David); twin brother, Scott; his nephew and nieces, Josh, Maggie and Kate.
Again, thank you to his DSP family for their support during trying times. A special thanks to the DSTA for being there for Sean as he bravely battled his “unbeatable foe.”
Master Corporal Sean McDerby 0230 retired on June 30, 2021 when his health issues finally diminished his ability to serve.
Sean was a member of the Association of Retired Delaware State Police.