Senate honors retiring Senators Dave Lawson and David Sikola with tributes

Delaware senators used a large portion of the June 30 session to pay tribute to two retiring members: Senator David G. Lawson (Kent County) and Senator David P. Sikola (New Castle County). Colleagues across the aisle delivered personal recollections, formal resolutions and a ceremonial presentation to each senator and their families.

Senator Lawson was recognized for his long career in law enforcement, work on veterans and public safety issues, and constituency service. Senator Sikola was commended for decades of service (first chosen in 1990), leadership on education and environmental issues and his service as president pro tempore.

Remarks combined formal tributes read into the record with personal anecdotes: colleagues recounted mentorship, committee work, bipartisan cooperation, and the staff who supported them. Each tribute was directed to be presented to the honored senator; family members and staff were invited to the dais.

The Senate recessed briefly for the presentations; senators noted the institutional knowledge both lawmakers provided and wished them well in retirement.