Toms River Police Chief Mitch Little has announced his retirement, effective August 23, after a 39-year career with the department. Little’s decision comes amid a tumultuous period for the department, marked by conflicts with Mayor Dan Rodrick over staffing and budget cuts.
In a message shared on Facebook, Little expressed his gratitude to the department and its officers, saying, “You are an amazing group of people doing extraordinary things, and I have been honored to work with each and every one of you.”
Little’s retirement follows a series of controversies, including the elimination of two captain positions and criticism from Rodrick over command staff salaries. Despite a successful petition to recall the ordinance cutting the positions, Rodrick unilaterally decided that the posts would not be filled.
Deputy Chief Patrick Dellane, who would have been a likely successor, retired on July 31. It is unclear who will lead the department after Little’s departure.
A walk-out ceremony is planned for August 23 at 4:30 p.m. outside the police department to honor Little’s service.