Middletown’s new police chief Robert Kracyla has over 35 years of law enforcement experience under his belt. He began his career as a patrol officer with the Dover Police Department. From there he moved to the Delaware State Police and later served as the Deputy Director of Delaware Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement.
Before starting the Middletown job on March 4th Kracyla was serving as the Seaford Police Chief. Back in February, Kracyla told Seaford city leaders that he was taking a new opportunity, which was closer to his family.
“We are sorry we didn’t have Chief with us longer here in Seaford, but we certainly understand how important family is to him and we are happy he will have the opportunity to serve closer to them…,” said Seaford Mayor David Genshaw.
During his time at the Seaford Police Department, many changes occurred. Officer visibility was significantly increased, thus driving the crime numbers down, said the mayor. Officers engaged the community’s help in solving crimes through the use of social media. Additionally, the department held its first Citizen’s Police Academy and made plans to host a Youth Citizen’s Academy in collaboration with the Western Sussex Boys and Girls Club. The Youth Citizen’s Academy was something Kracyla was directly involved in when he was the Deputy Director of Delaware Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement.
In February Seaford’s City Manager, Charles Anderson, said, “Chief Kracyla will be missed by our entire community, both residents and business owners alike. We have the highest confidence in the men and women of the Seaford Police Department and 911 Center to not only carry on the initiatives that the Chief started, but improve them with professional service and community connection. On behalf of the employees of the city, we would like to wish Rob the best of luck in his new endeavor.”
When asked about his departure, Chief Kracyla stated, “I certainly have enjoyed being a part of the Seaford family and I am grateful for the opportunity to have served as your Police Chief for almost a year. I feel we as a City of Seaford team have attained some distinguished accomplishments which I am so proud to have been a part of.”
Kracyla is taking over the job after Chief Michael Iglio retired earlier this year. Iglio had served as chief from August 2017 to January of 2019.
Kracyla is expected to bring the community policing standards he implemented in Seaford to the city of Middletown.
