Latent Fingerprint Specialist Susan Delage is a tenured and experienced member of the Tampa Police Department’s Forensic Investigations Unit. This employee is one of the most sought after and in demand examiner due to her extensive skills and experience level. As a member of the Forensic Unit, she is a leader in producing a high number of cases with positive outcomes. She is a constant and consistent leader in the area of identifications made on suspects. This individual is always counted upon to handle the difficult cases. An example of this was when a TPD detective had arrested three juveniles in an armed burglary case and a fourth individual was suspected of being involved. Mrs. Delage took on this case due to its challenge and within two hours identified the fourth individual’s prints on an ammo box, causing the subject to be arrested, who was a known serial burglar. On more than one occasion, she has been called into work from home to complete an analysis on fingerprints in serious crime pattern cases that directly affect the department and it’s crime rate. She does this without complaint and with a dedication to duty that is admired by co-workers and supervisors alike.

This employee is also responsible for the assisting and training of other Forensic Unit members in the area of fingerprint analysis. She serves as an acting supervisor when the situation demands and she handles these duties with the experience of a professional. She is the motivator of the Unit, with a “get the job done “ attitude. 

Mrs. Delage donates her time as a guest speaker and trainer to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. She is a yearly presenter for the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Training, provides training to nurses in the proper collection of forensic evidence in sexual battery cases. Her compassion and dedication towards victims and community needs brings a positive image to herself, the Forensic Investigations Unit, as well as the Tampa Police Department. This employee also is a regular speaker and trainer at the Tampa Police Academy for new police officers. Mrs. Delage spends time teaching new officers how to dust and obtain fingerprints, as well as the important legal issues surrounding this kind of latent investigation. Additionally, this November she was part of a “CSI Program” at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, which brings crime scene career information to local children of the Tampa Bay area. 

Mrs. Delage also volunteers numerous hours raising funds for the March of Dimes Charity here in Tampa.  She is a volunteer with the Tampa Police Memorial Committee, where she spends untold hours working for the benefit of the organization. As treasurer, she spends time handling the finances of the Committee and assisting on numerous projects such as Scholarships for Police Officers children and the Law Enforcement Run. Her work on the run and imputing of data allowed the organization to make a substantial profit, which benefits other Tampa Charities.

Due to her diligence and dedication, Mrs. Delage has been selected as the 2008 Employee of the Year.