Delaware Senate declares Jan. 9 Law Enforcement Appreciation Day following death of Corporal Ty Snook

The Delaware Senate on Wednesday passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 125 recognizing Jan. 9 as Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and used the floor to honor Corporal Ty Snook, who the Delaware State Police said was murdered in a targeted attack.

Sponsor Senator Patty John said the resolution ‘‘comes in the shadow of a recent tragedy’’ and urged the chamber to back appreciation with ‘‘moral clarity’’ about threats faced by officers. ‘‘His memory should be on your mind when you comment about the men and women who serve in our law enforcement community in Delaware,’’ Patty John said.

Colonel William D. Crotty, speaking for the Association of Chiefs of Police and the Delaware State Police, thanked lawmakers for the recognition and described Snook as a ‘‘hero’’ and a member of the state police family. Ryan Dunphy, secretary of the Senate and a relative of Snook’s in-law family, gave personal remarks about Snook’s life and asked colleagues to ‘‘please don’t stop saying Ty’s name and honoring his memory.’'

The resolution was adopted by roll call; the secretary announced the vote as 21 yes, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 125 was declared passed.

The resolution is ceremonial and does not create new legal obligations; sponsors urged the chamber to pair words of appreciation with public support for law-enforcement professionals. The Senate excused the invited witnesses after their remarks and moved on to other business.