Toms River Names its Next Police Chief

Toms River Captain Mitch Little is in line to become the townships new Police Chief. 

Little was nominated by Mayor Thomas Kelaher during Monday's Township Council meeting and the decision received the the backing of the council members.

In a written statement Kelaher said, "Effective January 1st, 2014, Mitch Little will assume the duties of Toms River Police Chief, with an official swearing in ceremony on January 7th at the Council re-organization meeting."

Little will replace Chief Mike Mastronardy who will be sworn in to serve as Ocean County's new Sheriff on January 1st after serving as township's Chief for 21 years.

In a township press release Little said "I'm grateful to the Mayor and Council for granting me this opportunity. In my first year, I want to get several projects organized and I want to concentrate on the most serious issue that the town is facing at this time, which are the crime rates and the drug problem. I also want to institute more directed patrols and primarily address the issues that affect the quality of life in Toms River."

Following Mayor Kelaher's recommendation, the Township Council also re-established the Deputy Chief position.  Captain Steven Henry will be promoted to the position and will head up the Operations responsibilities of the Police Department. The position will require an amendment to the police ordinance and he's expected to be sworn in on February 11th.