Seaford Police Department holds 31st Annual Chief Gary W. Flood awards ceremony

Police officers, supervisors, executive staff members, and civilian employees from the Seaford Police Department, led by Chief Marshall D. Craft Jr., marched by cadence into the filled to capacity banquet hall with their heads held high signifying honor and pride. Polished badges glistened, neatly pressed uniforms with razor sharp creases, and highly glossed boots showed brightly, as each participant, spouse, significant other, family, and friends were in attendance at the 31st Chief Gary W. Flood Annual Awards Ceremony. The event was held at the Seaford Volunteer Fire Department (SVFD) on Thursday afternoon, April 23.

The procession included music provided by Bagpipe Instrumentalist John Feehan. After Chief Craft’s welcome address, Deputy Chief Tyler Justice led the audience with the Pledge of Allegiance. Dignitaries at the event included Seaford Vice-Mayor Dan Henderson, City Manager Charles Anderson, Councilwoman Stephanie Grassett, and Councilman Allan Quillen. Retired police officer Pastor Matt Miller gave the invocation.

The ceremony was re-named as a tribute to retired SPD Chief Gary W. Flood, who created the event more than 30 years ago. Flood passed away on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025 at the age of 75. He served as Chief for two years from 2016-2018, and his  time as a member of the department spanned from 1974-2018. Chief Craft has served in the position since 2019.

Chief Flood’s widow, Debby, and his daughter, Heather, attended the event and in an emotional presentation, received a smaller replica plaque  of the new official sign for the “Chief Gary W. Flood Awards Ceremony”. The plaque included Flood’s name and a city of Seaford police department badge.

According to the SPD website, the formal ceremony was held to recognize those employees who worked to make a difference in the Seaford community during 2025. Twenty-two employees received recognition in the service milestones, promotions, certificates of appreciation, and new employees categories. Thirteen employees received recognition in the Exceptional Duty Commendation category. Three employees received recognition in the Exceptional Performance category: Pfc. Lana Towery, Ptlm. Sam Brumbley, and Cpl. Joan Nanola. Two employees received recognition in the Lifesaving category: Pfc. Krystal Rivera-Cruz and Pfc. Fevzi Darilmaz. One unit received recognition in the Unit Citation category: Criminal Investigations Division- Sgt. Jon James, Cpl. Joan Nanola, Cpl. Cody Levis, and Cpl. Shawn Wilson.

The following other awards were awarded:

Peer Award- Sgt. Eric Chambers; Civilian Employee Award- Anita Bowers; Officer of the Year- Cpl. Joan Nanola; Chief’s Award- Lt. Russ Little

In his closing comments, Chief Craft stated to the awardees, “I truly appreciate you, these awards are well deserved. I congratulate every individual who was recognized this evening. Each of you represents the very best of this department and your efforts have not gone unnoticed. The success of this department is not defined by one person or any one award, but is built upon all of you, every single day. I thank you for your professionalism. Your integrity, your dedication, that allows us to meet the needs of our community so that we can continue to build trust within our community. To the men and women of this Department, thank-you for your continued commitment to serve this community with honor and professionalism. May God watch over each of you and keep you safe. Thank you all for being here tonight and for serving your community.” 

The Delaware State Police provided service coverage during the event.