Delaware Officers Honored for Exceptional Investigations and Community Impact
December 10, 2025/
Delaware Crime Stoppers, in partnership with the Delaware Association of Chiefs of Police, has honored the state’s top law enforcement officers for their investigative work and community service in 2025. The annual awards—recognizing excellence in major case investigations, victim support, and community impact—highlight exceptional officers and troopers from agencies statewide, including Smyrna Police, Delaware State Police, Ocean View Police, Seaford Police, and others. This year’s honorees include Detective Brent Raughley and Detective Heidi Lingo for outstanding investigative work, as well as Lt. Mark Burton, MCPL John Wingate, and Lt. Mark Dawson for extraordinary community service that goes well beyond the call of duty. Delaware Crime Stoppers notes these officers have made a significant difference in solving major crimes and strengthening community relationships across the state. See below for the complete information.
Lt. Mark Dawson
Det. Heidi Lingo
Lt. Mark Burton
MCPL John Wingate
Det. Brent Raughley
Additional Information from Delaware Crime Stoppers:
Delaware Crime Stoppers and the Delaware Association of Chiefs of Police Announce 2025 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year and Beyond the Call of Duty Award Recipients
Dover, DE – Yesterday, Delaware Crime Stoppers, in partnership with the Delaware Association of Chiefs of Police, proudly recognized the recipients of the 2025 Robert J. Seinsoth Memorial Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Awards for Investigations and the Robert A. Mooney Beyond the Call of Duty Community Impact Awards.
These annual honors celebrate Delaware’s most exceptional investigators and officers—those who demonstrate outstanding professionalism, compassion, and dedication in both major casework and community service. This year brought forward remarkable nominations from agencies across the state, including New Castle County Police, Wilmington Police Department, Newark Police Department, Milford Police Department, and others.
Law Enforcement Officer of the Year – Investigations
Recognizing extraordinary investigative excellence and impact in 2024–2025.
Detective Brent Raughley – Smyrna Police Department(Medium-Size Department Category)
Detective Raughley is recognized for his meticulous, steady, and deeply compassionate work investigating a brutal kidnapping, assault, and rape. Despite an already full caseload, he dedicated more than 100 intensive investigative hours to ensure every detail was handled with precision and every step centered on the victim’s well-being. His leadership led to the swift arrest of a highly dangerous offender, restoring safety to the community and delivering justice for the victim.
Detective Raughley is recognized for his meticulous, steady, and deeply compassionate work investigating a brutal kidnapping, assault, and rape. Despite an already full caseload, he dedicated more than 100 intensive investigative hours to ensure every detail was handled with precision and every step centered on the victim’s well-being. His leadership led to the swift arrest of a highly dangerous offender, restoring safety to the community and delivering justice for the victim.
This case reflects not only his skill, but the heart and quiet determination he brings to every investigation, qualities that strengthen public safety across Delaware.
Detective Heidi Lingo – Delaware State Police(Large-Size Department Category)
Detective Lingo is honored for her outstanding leadership in a high-intensity, multi-suspect shooting investigation with ten victims. She identified all four shooters, recovered key firearms, authored numerous warrants, and coordinated a complex multi-agency effort through detailed video analysis, digital forensics, and extensive victim and witness interviews. She invested more than 100 investigative hours into this case alone while managing a demanding caseload.
Detective Lingo is honored for her outstanding leadership in a high-intensity, multi-suspect shooting investigation with ten victims. She identified all four shooters, recovered key firearms, authored numerous warrants, and coordinated a complex multi-agency effort through detailed video analysis, digital forensics, and extensive victim and witness interviews. She invested more than 100 investigative hours into this case alone while managing a demanding caseload.
Her combination of compassion, precision, and composure under pressure reflects the very highest standards of the Delaware State Police.
Beyond the Call of Duty – Community Impact Awards
Recognizing officers whose most meaningful service occurs both on and off duty, strengthening trust, relationships, and community well-being.
Lt. Mark Burton – Ocean View Police Department(Small Department Category)
Lt. Burton is celebrated for more than two decades of unwavering, heartfelt service to the residents of Ocean View. He has devoted countless hours, often personal time, to mentoring students, supporting seniors, strengthening families, and nurturing long-standing community traditions.
This award holds deep meaning for Lt. Burton, recognizing a lifetime of quiet, consistent acts of service that have built trust, shaped lives, and defined true community policing.
MCPL John Wingate – Seaford Police Department(Medium Department Category)
MCPL Wingate is acknowledged for his extraordinary service as a School Resource Officer and community leader. He has invested hundreds of personal hours building relationships with students, supporting families, and being a steady, positive presence in schools and community spaces.
MCPL Wingate is acknowledged for his extraordinary service as a School Resource Officer and community leader. He has invested hundreds of personal hours building relationships with students, supporting families, and being a steady, positive presence in schools and community spaces.
His ability to connect with youth, earn trust, and be present wherever he is needed has made him one of the district’s most beloved figures. His community involvement is heartfelt, consistent, and transformative, exemplifying service beyond the call of duty.
Lt. Mark Dawson – Delaware State Police(Large Department Category)
Lt. Dawson is honored for his exceptional work transforming relationships in some of Kent County’s most challenged communities. Through weekly youth outreach, meaningful partnerships, and major community events, he rebuilt trust where it had been fragile and created genuine connection where there had been distance.
Lt. Dawson is honored for his exceptional work transforming relationships in some of Kent County’s most challenged communities. Through weekly youth outreach, meaningful partnerships, and major community events, he rebuilt trust where it had been fragile and created genuine connection where there had been distance.
His sustained mentorship and quiet, consistent presence have provided families with vital resources and reshaped entire neighborhoods. This recognition reflects the profound and lasting impact of his work beyond the badge.
A Message of Appreciation
Delaware Crime Stoppers extends its deepest gratitude to each award recipient. Their dedication, whether solving violent crimes, supporting victims, mentoring youth, or strengthening community ties, makes Delaware safer, stronger, and more united.
Your work changes lives.
Your service inspires us.
Your impact will be felt for generations.
Your service inspires us.
Your impact will be felt for generations.
Congratulations to all of the 2025 awardees.