Slain New Castle officer awarded Medal of Honor

A New Castle County police officer stabbed to death while trying to take a suspect into custody has been given the county police department’s highest award.

County officials said yesterday that Sgt. Joseph Szczerba was awarded the Medal of Honor this week at a private ceremony, marking the first time it had been given in the 98-year history of the department. Szczerba was also posthumously promoted to the rank of lieutenant.

Funeral services are scheduled today for Szczerba, who was stabbed after responding to a complaint about a disorderly person. Szczerba will be buried in a lieutenant’s dress uniform.

WHYY’s Mark Eichmann and Shiley Min will attend. Look for their reports here later today.