A procession of Delaware State Police troopers, Wilmington police officers and local firefighters escorted the body of Cpl. Grade One Matthew T. “Ty” Snook on Dec. 24 from the state medical examiner’s office in Wilmington to a funeral home, one day after the trooper was killed while on duty at the Division of Motor Vehicles near New Castle.
A force of emergency responders arrived on motorcycles, in fire trucks and in patrol vehicles for the solemn transfer. As they arrived some quietly embraced, while others stood in small groups along Adams Street. All saluted as Snook’s body was moved from the medical examiner’s office and driven away by hearse shortly before 2:30 p.m.
Putting their lives on the line everyday
The day before Christmas Eve, Snook was working an overtime assignment at the DMV facility outside of Wilmington when a 44-year-old man entered the building, Delaware State Police spokesperson Cpl. Raushan Rich said. The man approached the desk and shot Snook. Law enforcement officials have described Snook as a hero for pushing a Division of Motor Vehicles employee out of harm’s way before being shot a second time.
A New Castle County police officer confronted the shooter and fatally shot him, Rich said. Both Snook and the shooter were taken to area hospitals, where they were pronounced dead. Police have not publicly identified the shooter.
During a press conference on the evening of Dec. 23, officials shared limited personal details about Snook, describing him as a coach, a husband and a father. They also emphasized the risks law enforcement officers face, even during routine assignments.
“This tragedy reminds us that our law enforcement officers face danger in even the most routine circumstances,” Rich said. “They stand as guardians, protecting our communities, often at great risk.”
A memorial blossoms
Also on Christmas Eve, Snook's SUV was parked in his honor in Prices Corner and decorated with memorial flowers.
Wilmington resident Pamela Flanagan told Delaware Online/The News Journal she stopped by the memorial because the shooting rattled her family. She said her son wants to go into law enforcement and that she met the officer at a recent trip to the DMV.
"I was hoping it wasn't him, not that I wish that on anyone," she said at Delaware State Police Troop 6 in Prices Corner.
Debbie Kulpa came from Pennsville, New Jersey, to pay respects. She has family in law enforcement.
"It's very sad, especially right before Christmas," she said.
The Delaware State Troopers Association has launched an online fundraiser to support Snook’s family. The organization said the fundraiser is intended to provide a verified way for the public to donate, with all proceeds going directly to the family and no service fees charged.
