A Wilmington police officer receives his grandfather’s badge number when he graduates

Earlier this month, members of the 103rd Wilmington Police Academy were sworn into the city’s police force.

The ceremony was held at the JPMorgan Chase Building and was attended by family, friends and supporters of the five new Wilmington police officers who have already begun their new duties with the Uniformed Services Department.

The graduation of the new members was full of emotion and pride, but it was a special moment when the members received their new badges. That’s when one member, Anthony Malvestuto, was given a familiar number – that of his grandfather, who served in the same force more than 36 years ago.

Malvestuto’s grandfather, George L. Esterling Jr., was even allowed to pin the family badge – No. 31 – on his grandson. Esterling served with the Wilmington Police Department from 1966 to 1988.

“One of our newest officers received the badge number previously worn by his grandfather, who retired as a captain in our department,” said David Karas, a police spokesman.

Karas said this is not the first time this has happened.

A graduate of the 98th WPD Academy is wearing the badge number that his grandfather, a retired lieutenant, wore on the force, Karas said, while another officer is wearing a similar number to his grandfather in another department.