The Delaware State Police announces the retirement of Major Peter Sawyer, Special Operations Officer at Headquarters, effective June 8, 2025. Major Sawyer’s distinguished career spans over three decades of dedicated law enforcement service, marked by his leadership, innovation, and a deep commitment to public safety.
“For over thirty years, Major Pete Sawyer has served the citizens of Delaware with purpose, passion, and professionalism,” said Colonel William D. Crotty, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police, reflecting on Major Sawyer’s career. “From his early years with the Rehoboth Beach Police Department to nearly three decades with the Delaware State Police, Major Sawyer has been a voice for the voiceless and a steady presence during difficult times. His commitment to communication, collaboration, and inclusion defined his leadership, whether advancing investigative efforts or championing causes like the Special Olympics. Even in his final year of service, Major Sawyer remained devoted to the well-being of his fellow troopers by joining the DSP Peer-to-Peer Wellness Team. He continued to lead through support, compassion, and a deep investment in those around him. His impact as a law enforcement leader, mentor, and advocate will continue to shape the DSP long after his retirement.”
Major Sawyer began his law enforcement career in 1993 with the Rehoboth Beach Police Department, where he served as a police officer until joining the Delaware State Police on November 1, 1996, as a recruit in the 66th Delaware State Police academy class. He was assigned to Troop 6 as part of the Field Training Officer Program and promoted to the rank of Trooper just weeks later. These early years laid the foundation for a remarkable trajectory of service and leadership.
Over the next two decades, Major Sawyer held key roles within the agency. He worked as a patrol trooper, a detective at Troop 2, and a sergeant assigned to Troop 6, as well as a specialized enforcement unit focused on drug and quality-of-life crimes. He later served as a supervisor in the Governor’s Task Force and held command positions at both Troop 2 and Troop 6 as a lieutenant. He was instrumental in leading statewide initiatives while assigned as the Officer in Charge of the Tactical Control Unit and later as the Deputy Commander of the Criminal Investigations Unit in New Castle County.
In 2010, he was promoted to Captain and assumed leadership of the Intelligence Unit within the Delaware Information Analysis Center, which serves as Delaware’s fusion center. In that role, he oversaw specialized units, including the Maritime Unit, High Technology Crimes/Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, and Electronic Surveillance Unit. His strategic leadership continued as the Commander of the Homicide Unit, and in 2021, upon his promotion to Major, he assumed oversight of all special operations within the DSP.
Major Sawyer is a graduate of the FBI National Academy (253rd session) and a past president of the Maryland-Delaware Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates. His career has also been marked by passionate service beyond traditional policing. He has been a devoted 30-year member of the Delaware Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics and currently serves as its State Director. He is also the recipient of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Lifetime Achievement Award for his steadfast commitment to traffic safety and victim advocacy.
The Delaware State Police extends its heartfelt appreciation to Major Peter Sawyer for his exemplary service and wishes him the very best in his retirement and future endeavors.
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