Thomas Dellane Sworn In As New Stafford Township Police Chief

by Patricia A. Miller

Stafford Township Police Chief Thomas Dellane said his rise to his new position is a "humbling" experience.

Dellane made the remarks shortly after his father Harry, a retired Toms River police officer, pinned the chief's badge on his son. Dellane's brother, also a Toms River police officer, attended the recent June 21 ceremony.

"We have law enforcement in our blood," the new chief said.

Dellane also swore in Allen Halliday, who was promoted to lieutenant, Detective Jason Costello, who was promoted to sergeant, and Joseph Stanzione. who was sworn in as a patrolman. Stanzione came from the nearby Barnegat Police Department, where he served for eight years.

Dellane has already planned the two short-term goals he wants to achieve in his first year, he told Patch previously.

He wants the department to earn the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police accreditation program.

"My second goal is to enhance our training program to strengthen our officer's crisis de-escalation skills as well as our ability to respond to and assist individuals struggling with mental health and other social issues," Dellane said.

Dellane is a 28-year veteran of the department. He began as a patrolman on Aug. 31, 1987 and gradually worked his way up to sergeant, detective sergeant, lieutenant and captain.
He holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Stockton University and a law degree from Rutgers University-Camden School of Law.

Photo credits: Stafford Township Police Department