Nicholas Geannakakes, Delaware State Police

On March 5, 2024, Cpl. Geannakakes responded to a call in Seaford about three dogs attacking a man in his front yard. Upon arrival, he found the victim suffering serious head and leg injuries as the dogs continued circling and attacking him. The dogs' owner was present but stated he could not control them. As Cpl. Geannakakes exited his vehicle, the aggressive dogs approached him. Maintaining his composure, he retrieved his trauma pack and ordered the owner to back away.

Seeing the victim bleeding profusely, Cpl. Geannakakes shielded him from the dogs, during which he was bitten on the right calf. Despite the injury, he bravely maintained his position, ultimately shooting one of the attacking dogs, causing all three to flee. The victim, barely able to speak, expressed concern for his children inside the home, not wanting them to see him die.

Cpl. Geannakakes calmly reassured the victim that he and his children were safe, assessed his injuries, and applied a tourniquet to his leg. He remained with the victim, providing comfort and lifesaving aid until EMS arrived. Cpl. Geannakakes' selfless actions directly stopped the attack and saved the victim's life.

Lauren Tulloch, Yvonne Dickerson, Cressa Vines, Kelley Diem, and David Cross, Department of Transportation

On October 30, 2024, collector Cressa Vines was in lane 1 when a customer pulled up and asked for emergency service to be called because they were having heart attack symptoms. Cressa stayed calm, called the office to speak to Sgt. Tulloch and informed her of the situation. Sgt. Tulloch called 911 and then proceeded to the lane to assist until 911 arrived. Cpl. Dickerson stayed in the office to keep an eye on the situation from inside the control center and pulled collector Kelly Diem in to assist. David Cross who was in the lane next to Cressa, overheard what was going on and had also called 911 as well. Sgt Tulloch and collectors Cross and Vines waited with the customer to try to keep him calm. These employees remained calm and vigilant in a stressful situation. They all played a key role, and all deserve to be recognized for their heroism.

Jennifer Gabriele, Department of State

In April of 2024, a team member of the Delaware Veterans Cemetery experienced a medical emerency while onsite and on the job. Jennifer Gabriele displayed the utmost in courage and her dedication to the welfare of those around her by administering life-saving measures in an attempt to save this employee’s life. Her efforts, though unsuccessful, were unwaivering and continuous until the first responders arrived to take over.

In the aftermath of this trauma, Jennifer demonstrated care and concern for everyone as she worked with the team to honor the deceased by focusing on continuity of the team’s mission – provide dignified and compassionate burials for our Veterans.

This event was the first of two impactful losses at the Delaware Veterans Cemetery in 2024. Jennifer’s compassion and leadership was significant to helping the entire team move forward through these difficult circumstances.