Major Harry W. Downes, Jr. began his career in 1980 at the Camden-Wyoming Police Department. During that time, he attended Terry Campus and graduated in 1983 with associate degrees in Criminal Justice and Computer Engineering. That year, he began service in the Delaware State Police Department. Armed with an extensive and diversified education, he was recognized as an expert in the field of illicit drug activity by the Delaware Superior Court, Maryland Circuit Court and the United States District Court. He used this specialty working undercover for the Special Investigations Unit, investigating illegal drug activity and major illicit drug organizations. In 1991 Major Downes focused on crime prevention in the Community Services Unit. As a sergeant in the Rural Community Policing Unit, he worked with community leaders and state agencies to target community problems from 1994-2001. He continued his education at Wilmington College obtaining a bachelor’s degree in General Studies in 2001. As a lieutenant, he then earned a master’s degree in Public Administration in 2003.
Presently Major Downes is an administrative officer responsible for overseeing the operation of state police human resources, training and traffic sections at headquarters. He also holds position as the domestic violence coordinator. He has taught at Terry Campus and now instructs at Wilmington College. He is president of the Delaware Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) and on the Board of Directors at Bethuel SDA Church.
Margarete Fair MacLeish began working for the Dover Air Force Base as a civilian office clerk in 1974. While working there, she earned her associate’s degree by taking night classes in Secretarial Studies from the Terry Campus and graduated in 1979. With her new set of skills, she made the move to management in 1980 as the Support Services Supervisor on base. Mrs. MacLeish held various office administration positions and advanced to human resources in 1984. She supplemented her experience with a bachelor’s degree in Management from Wesley College in 1986. While she worked as a Position Classification Specialist and Staffing and Affirmative Employment Specialist, she studied Public Administration, graduating from the University of Delaware in 1993 with a master’s degree.
The Dover Air Force Base is fortunate to have her presently serving as its Human Resources Officer. She proves herself valuable with expertise in labor relations, employee relations, classification and staffing.
Mrs. MacLeish loyally serves her community and the country. The Air Force has honored her as a true patriot recognizing her as Civilian of the Year three times. She participates in Kent County’s Personnel Administration Board. She also gives her time and energy to the Caesar Rodney High School Parent Advisory Committee, the Central Delaware YMCA and Cub Scout Pack 154 of Dover. Additionally, she serves as a Eucharistic Minister at Holy Cross Church in Dover.
Kathleen H. Still earned a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from the University of Delaware in 1977. After working as a merchandising assistant for JC Penny in Dover for eight years, she made a career change to a civilian draftsman and engineering technician for the Dover Air Force Base in 1985. Mrs. Still simultaneously earned an associate degree in Building Science Technology from Terry Campus, graduating in 1986. During her time as a student, Mrs. Still won the Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges in 1984 and the Outstanding Graduate Award. She was also involved in Phi Theta Kappa and Tau Alpha Pi Honor Societies.
Mrs. Still is presently an engineering technician on the Dover Air Force Base. The base has recognized her superior performance and leadership naming her Civilian of the Year twice. She was also recognized with nine Sustained Performance Awards and the Award for Notable Achievement.
Mrs. Still also utilizes her professional talents to contribute to the community. She serves in the Delmarva Post Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) and the Scholarship Fundraiser/Scholarship Award Committee. Additionally, she stands as the Delmarva Post Secretary and has participated in the March of Dimes Walk-a-thon and Leukemia Society Fund Drives.
Mrs. Still’s dedication has affected not only the local community, but also the country through her 22 years of civilian service to the Air Force.