New Castle – On Friday County Executive Matt Meyer ordered New Castle County flags to be flown at half-staff through the weekend in honor of New Castle County Police Lt. Joseph Szczerba, who was killed in the line of duty in the early morning hours of September 16, 2011.
“As a police officer, a loving member of his family and an engaged member of the community, Lt. Joseph Szczerba had a positive and lasting impact on our county, and six years after his tragic death he continues to inspire us to lives of service,”Meyer said. “On this solemn day it is important that we pause and reflect on his life and pay tribute to the ultimate sacrifice he made to keep our community safe. Our thoughts today are with his wife Kathy, the entire Szczerba family and his many friends and colleagues who continue to honor his life with service to our county community.”
On September 16, 2011 Sergeant Joe Szczerba was fatally stabbed while struggling with a suspect shortly after midnight. Szczerba had responded to backup officers who were searching for a disorderly man who was breaking into cars in the community of Penn Acres.
As Szczerba located the man, he fled on foot. When Szczerba caught up to him a struggle ensued. During the struggle the subject pulled out a knife, stabbing Szczerba in the neck. The suspect was quickly taken to custody by responding officers. Sergeant Szczerba was transported to Christiana Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Lieutenant Szczerba was posthumously promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and awarded the department’s Medal of Honor.
Lieutenant Szczerba served the New Castle County Police Department for 18 years. He is survived by his wife and family and his many friends in the LEO community.
