Mitch Little Confirmed As New Toms River Police Chief

Toms River officials on Monday confirmed that Toms River Police Capt. Mitch Little has been chosen as the department's new chief.

Little is set to be appointed at a meeting of the township council scheduled for Monday night and will replace longtime Chief Michael Mastronardy, who will become Ocean County sheriff in January.

Under Toms River's form of municipal government, the police chief is selected by the mayor with the advice and consent of the township council.

Also, officials on Monday announced the intention of Mayor Thomas Kelaher to recommend the re-establishment of the position of Deputy Police Chief in Toms River, a position that was removed five years ago with its duties being spread between three captains following the retirement of Vince Pedalino, the last officer to hold the position. Kelaher said he will recommend Capt. Steven Henry as Deputy Chief.

The official swearing-in of Little, as well as the introduction of an ordinance to re-establish the Deputy Chief position, is expected to come at the township council's Jan. 7 reorganization meeting.

"I am dedicated to ensuring the safety of our residents," said Little, in a statement issued Monday afternoon. "I will continue to provide the public with the outstanding service this police department has given and has grown to expect."

"I’m grateful to the Mayor and Council for granting me this opportunity," he said. "In my first year, I want to get several projects organized and I want to concentrate on the most serious issues that the town is facing at this time, which are the crime rates and the drug problem."

Little said his initiatives would include instituting more directed patrols and addressing quality-of-life issues.

"I am dedicated to making this a smooth transition after Chief Mastronardy leaves," said Kelaher, who in a statement said choosing a new chief was the most difficult determinations he's had to make in his career.