Widow of slain officer honored at Muslim community dinner

NEWARK, Del. (AP) - The wife of a slain Delaware state trooper was honored at a dinner hosted by members of Delaware’s Muslim-American community.

The Wilmington News Journal reports that the event to celebrate law enforcement was held Wednesday after sundown outside the Tarbiyah School in Newark. Gov. John Carney and Attorney General Matt Denn were among several state and local officials in attendance.

Students at the Tarbiyah School gave Louise Ballard drawings and artwork to recognize her husband’s sacrifice.

Stephen Ballard was shot and killed on April 26 at the age of 32 while investigating a suspicious vehicle at a Wawa parking lot south of Wilmington in Bear.

Louise Ballard said she’s grateful for the community’s support. She said that “when there are challenges, let’s stand strong together.”

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Information from: The News Journal of Wilmington, Del., https://www.delawareonline.com