DOVER — In a news release Monday, Delaware State Police announced the retirement on Nov. 1 of Col. Melissa A. Zebley, who served for over 32 years.
The news release said Col. Zebley’s calling to public service began as a participant in the State Police Explorer Program, an experience that inspired her lifelong devotion to law enforcement.
Col. Zebley joined the DSP on July 16, 1992, completing the 61st Delaware State Police Academy Recruit Class. Following graduation, she began her career as a trooper at Troop 6.
In September 1997, according to the news release, she served as a drill instructor officer at the DSP Training Academy, where she shaped the future of law enforcement by mentoring recruits from numerous law enforcement agencies.
Promoted to Sergeant in 2002, she served as a shift commander at Troop 1 and became a member of the Critical Incident Stress Management Team, supporting the wellbeing of her colleagues, the news release said.
Col. Zebley earned a Master of Science from Wilmington University in 2003, and in 2005, she took on the responsibility of Public Information Officer, eventually becoming the unit’s Director.