A framed portrait of Detective Delbert Phipps Jr., surrounded by his family and Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett. By. OFFICE OF CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT
V.I. Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett hosted a heartfelt reception this week in honor of National Police Week, paying tribute to two fallen heroes from the U.S. Virgin Islands—Detective Delbert Phipps Jr. and Patrolman Lionel E. Issac. Both officers of the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) lost their lives in the line of duty and will be memorialized on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall.
“Their names will be forever engraved, and their integrity forever maintained,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “Our men and women of the Virgin Islands Police Department give their full measure of devotion, their bravery, resilience, and dedication to perform their duties faithfully, and make the ultimate sacrifice.”
The reception saw the presence of VIPD Commissioner Ray Martinez, VIPD officers, and the family of Detective Phipps Jr. Reflecting on the occasion, Commissioner Martinez emphasized the importance of honoring the fallen officers and supporting their families.
“While today is a solemn time for us, today is a good time to see my officers smiling and celebrate the lives of Detective Phipps and Patrolman Issac,” said Commissioner Martinez. “This provides us and the Phipps family the opportunity to know that we are not alone. As much as it pains us for our loss, they will not be forgotten. Standing as a police commissioner, I couldn’t be more proud to be here and pay homage to our brothers in arms.”
Denise Phipps, the mother of Detective Phipps Jr., shared her emotions during the reception, expressing both sorrow and gratitude for the recognition of her son’s sacrifice.
“I lost my son Detective Phipps on July 4, 2023. One of the worst days of my life,” said Denise Phipps. “I am honored, and it feels a bit bittersweet as they remember and honor my son. What a joy and sadness to see that his name is there.”
National Police Week serves as a time to honor law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty and to recognize the service and sacrifice of all officers. The inclusion of Detective Phipps and Patrolman Issac on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall ensures that their bravery and dedication will be remembered and honored for generations to come.
