Delaware State Police trooper in Sussex dies off duty at home

Delaware State Police Trooper Master Cpl. William F. Matt, 54, died Monday night at his home. 

Matt was a 29 year veteran of the Delaware State Police.

 “It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the tragic loss of Master Cpl. Matt," said Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr., superintendent of the Delaware State Police, in a release. "He was a dedicated trooper with a tireless work ethic. He served his country as a proud member of the United States Army and committed his life to serving his community as a Delaware State Trooper."

Matt was hired on Sept. 16, 1988, into the 57th Delaware State Police Recruit Class. He began his career assigned to Troop 6 during his Field Training Officers' Program, and was permanently assigned there to Uniformed Patrol.

On April 2, 2001, he was assigned to Troop 7 and the following year was promoted to Master Corporal, according to a release.

On Sept. 1, 2007, he was assigned as a School Resource Officer assigned to Troops 4, 5 and 7 in Sussex County until 2011.

Matt was a School Resource Officer in the Cape Henlopen School District, and the district put out a statement Tuesday morning.

“The Cape Henlopen School District is saddened to hear of the sudden loss of Delaware State Police Officer William 'Bill' Matt," the district said. "Master Corporal Matt worked for the District as an SRO, helping to provide a safe environment for all of our staff and students. Our District sends our thoughts and deepest condolences to his DSP family, and to his immediate family members during this sad time.”

In October of 2015, he was assigned to the Criminal Investigative Unit at Troop 4 in Georgetown.

He returned back to Troop 7 in Lewes, where he had served since May 9, 2016.

"He absolutely loved being a trooper," McQueen said. "As we honor the service and mourn the loss of our fellow trooper, we ask the community to keep his family and the members of the Delaware State Police in your thoughts and prayers.”

Representative Steve Smyk (R-20), said he lived four doors down from Matt, and he was a personal friend.

They both served in the Delaware State Police, Smyk said, with Matt in the recruitment class after the one in which Smyk was.

"Bill suffered the loss of his wife and son in a car accident about eight years ago," Smyk said. "A similar tragedy would have crushed many men, yet he found a way through his grief, not only to raise his remaining children, but to work with me in the Delaware State Troopers Association to help officers experiencing their own adversities.

Many will remember him as an SRO in the Cape Henlopen School District, Smyk added.

Matt had a love for snorkeling, piloting his fixed wing aircraft, cooking and traveling, Smyk said, and made his own wine and vinegar.

But for Smyk, Matt will be best remembered for his ability to serve others.

"Anyone who knew Bill was aware he had a wonderful, bellowing voice. When used to its full effect, I actually saw him stop criminals in their tracks," Smyk said. "Bill was getting ready to turn the next page in his life. He had already retired as a captain from the Delaware National Guard and, at the age of 54, he was facing mandatory retirement as a trooper in September. 

"I am among the many who will miss Bill in about every way he can be missed. With his passing, Delaware has lost one of its exemplary citizens.”

More:2 adults, 3 young children found dead in Prices Corner home Monday night

More:Turtle lays eggs in Fenwick Island, 'rare' for Delaware

302-324-7715

On Twitter @hughesg19

rghughes@delmarvanow.com