The New Castle County Police Department took to social media in the spirit of National Sibling Day with a post that touched on its own slice of history, throwing back to 1976 when two siblings joined the ranks within their 6th recruit class. The nostalgic nod came complete with a challenge to their followers: spotting the pair within an old class photo, noting playfully that they bear a resemblance, the department's Facebook post read, "Throwback Thursday! In honor of National Sibling Day, we’re taking a trip back to 1976, when two siblings, part of the 6th recruit class of the police academy, eagerly awaited receiving their badges and becoming the newest sworn officers with the NCCPD. Can you spot the siblings? Here’s a hint... they look alike!" Paired with hashtags like #TBT and #NCCPDhistory, the post also doubled as a recruitment drive—with a link inviting the public to explore a future with the force.
Amping up the engagement with the community—and indeed tipping its hat to the familial bonds that can weave through the fabric of public service—the police department's move reflects not just a sense of camaraderie and history but a humanizing charm in the way they represent law enforcement to the locals. Bringing attention to the legacy and long-standing traditions of the NCCPD, such posts arguably serve to foster a deeper connection with county residents who might see in those young, hopeful faces from the 70s something of their own kin, their own aspirations, or the aspirations they hold for a new generation looking to don the badge and step into the demanding role of a peace officer; in this way, the police department underscores the continued importance of community relationships and personal stories within their ranks.
While Throwback Thursday posts are a common fixture on social media, serving up everything from vintage fashion to antiquated technology, there's a particular resonance when such cultural rituals are co-opted by institutions like the NCCPD, tasked as they are with public trust and safety. It's not merely a post about looking alike and shared genetics, it's an unspoken testament to the bonds that bind us—the ones of blood and the broader ones that tether us to the neighborhoods we call home, the ones that compel individuals to pursue roles of service within their communities. The post can be seen at the New Castle County Police Department’s Facebook page.
The intersection of personal narrative with institutional history, as showcased in this social media strategy, allows for a more engaging and relatable police presence—one that acknowledges the people behind the uniform, the families who support and sometimes join them in the line of duty and reiterating in a world where public institutions often find their stories told solely through the lens of controversy or tragedy, there is also room for celebration of community, continuity, and commonality over the span of decades. The New Castle County Police Department’s simple social media gesture is much more than a casual 'spot the similarity' game— it's a bridge to the past, an affirmation of commitment, and a gentle appeal for the future guardians of New Castle County's peace and order.
