Milton Chief Robert Longo steps down

Milton police Chief Robert Longo will step down from his post effective Sunday, March 15.

Longo, who did not respond to requests for additional comment, said he was leaving to pursue his ministry license. He currently serves as the chaplain for the Sussex County Police Chiefs Association and Delaware Police Chiefs’ Council. 

Longo announced his decision March 9 on a post on the department’s Facebook page. He said he did not make his decision public until then because the department was planning and installing security plans for the March 8 St. Patrick’s Day 5K and parade. 

“I can state unequivocally that I would not have accomplished what I have in my life without God's blessings and my wife being at my side,” Longo said. “It has been my honor to serve you, the Milton community as your police chief. I will always think of you as family and be humbled by your support.”

After serving for five years as chief in Bridgeville, Longo, 56, came to Milton in April 2016, replacing former Chief William Phillips. Longo’s appointment came during a time of sweeping change in Milton; Mayor Ted Kanakos was sworn in that same month and Town Manager Kristy Rogers came aboard that same year. 

Longo began his career as a dispatcher in New Jersey, and over the course of his career, worked in detention and correction, gang intelligence and for the U.S. Department of Defense. 

In his goodbye statement, Longo said he was proud of making Milton the second safest town in Delaware two years in a row, as well as purchasing new vehicles and equipment. He said he was also proud of partnerships with schools, businesses and churches for better community policing strategies. 

Kanakos praised what Longo did for the community and understood his decision to step away.

“He has goals and challenges, and he felt it was time to make a full-time commitment to something he believes in,” Kanakos said. In the meantime, Kanakos said, Lt. Derrick Harvey will serve as acting police chief until a permanent chief is found.

“We’re going to miss the chief. He’s a good man. I wish him the best,” Kanakos said.