Milton to start search for police chief, town manager

Milton town officials hope to find a new police chief by the end of the year.

Milton Mayor Marion Jones said a December hire date is an ultimate goal, but it may take a little more time based on the town's proposed hiring process.

“It'll be as fast as the process allows it to be,” she said.

Milton will establish two interview panels to vet potential police chief candidates. The panels will include members from Milton Town Council, Delaware Police Chiefs' Council and Milton Fire Department, as well as the town clerk, town solicitor and a human resources specialist. Other members of the panel would be a business owner, a member of Milton's minority community, a retired police officer from the community, a current police chief and a representative from the Cape Henlopen School District.

The Delaware Police Chiefs' Council will review application packets before sending eligible candidates to the panels for interviews.

The town's personnel committee also is developing a set hiring process to select a new town manager. Committee recommendations are expected to come before council no later than Monday, Nov. 2.

Milton's former police chief William Phillips retired Aug. 15, after being on terminal leave after an illness. Capt. John Cornwell has served as acting chief in his absence.

Milton has been without a town manager since September 2013, when former Town Manager Win Abbott resigned. Town Council has not set a deadline for filling the position.

For more information, call Milton Town Hall at 302-684-4110 or go to milton.delaware.gov.