The Middletown Transcript

Capt. Frances Collender remembered during Troop 9 tribute Memorial

By Eric J.S. Townsend Staff Reporter

She will never again “light up the room,” but her memory still glows for everyone she touched.
About 200 people gathered outside the Troop 9 barracks in Odessa Aug. 29 to remember Frances Marie Collender, a Delaware State Police corporal killed in the line of duty Feb. 6.
Last week’s service included a tree dedication and remarks by various officials, while more than 100 officers from local police agencies stood at attention.
And as a tribute to the mother of two daughters, public safety officials announced that Recruit Day at the Delaware State Police Training Academy, when cadets take families on tours, will now be known as 'Cpl. Collender Day.'
'We cried as one as she slipped into the heavens,' said Cpl. Vincent Fiscella, president of the Delaware State Trooper Association. 'We must remember all those who served before us.'
Collender, 39, was struck by a Camaro at dawn in February just after completing her night shift. She was traveling home when a call came through regarding a stranded motorist on southbound Del. 1.
Icy road conditions caused the driver of the passing Camaro to lose control, and it pinned the four-year state police veteran against her cruiser as she returned to her vehicle. Collender died hours later at Christiana Hospital.
Dave Baylor, commander of Troop 9 for the past year and a half, said his colleague’s death was the most traumatic event of his career. Since then, he said, troopers have helped support Collender’s 18-year-old daughter Samantha Fuller and 9-year-old Taylor.
Troopers visit the family on a regular basis, and a golf tournament is set for September to raise money toward the girls’ college expenses.
Collender’s relatives were present for the ceremony, where her mother, Eleanor Allione, shared thoughts about how the family grows stronger each day.
'She was just the one who lit up the room,” Allione said. “I don’t know how in the world people get through something like this if they don’t have a deep faith and the support system we had.' Spring House Nursery in Bear donated the tree planted by Troop 9. The headstone plaque was given by Sartin Memorials, and troopers offered their services to help with landscaping.
'All too often we’re reminded that your work as police may require the ultimate sacrifice,' said Odessa Mayor Rebecca Tulloch at the ceremony. 'And because there are no words, we build memorials.'

back to news index

Introduction of the Frances Collender Public Safety Officers' Benefits Improvement Act of 2001

May 16, 2001

Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Frances Collender Public Safety Officers' Benefits Improvement Act of 2001.
At around 6:00 a.m. on February 6th of this year, Corporal Frances Collender of the Delaware State Police pulled her cruiser behind a van that had been disabled by an accident on Route 1 in Odessa, Delaware.
Tragically, Corporal Collender was struck and killed by another driver just as she was assisting the disabled motorists. Corporal Collender is a true hero: she volunteered to take just one last call before ending her shift.
This week, with thousands of law enforcement officers, survivors, and family members gathered in the Nation's Capitol for National Police Week, I rise to pay special tribute to those who fell in the line of duty this year, and particularly to Frances Collender of the Delaware State Police.

back to news index