Today New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer nominated current New Castle County Chief of Police Vaughn Bond to the position of New Castle County Public Safety Director. County Executive Meyer also nominated Captain Joseph Bloch (pronounced ‘block’) as Chief of Police. Both individuals will assume their new positions October 1 in an acting capacity, pending New Castle County Council approval.
“This is a great day for the public safety of our communities and for the long-term future of our fine police department,” said County Executive Meyer. “Col. Bond will go down in history as a trailblazer for this department and for this county. He made courageous decisions to invest in community policing and mental health and substance use treatment before it became popular to do so. Col. Bond has also shown unprecedented commitment to diversity in his leadership team, including promoting New Castle County’s first female Lieutenant Colonel, Wendi Feeser. We are delighted an experienced officer with his leadership and integrity will continue to serve the people of New Castle County as Public Safety Director, overseeing the Divisions of Police, Emergency Medical Services and Emergency Communications and the Office of Emergency Management and collaborating with the fire service.”
“I want to thank the courageous men and women of the New Castle County Division of Police. I am so proud of the level of service they have provided to our communities over the past few years,” said Colonel Bond. “It has not always been easy, but you have persevered and continued to exceed the expectations of those we serve. Over the years, I have worked closely with many community leaders and through our combined efforts we have seen the quality of life in your communities improve. Thank you to New Castle County Council for their ongoing support of the Department of Public Safety, specifically the Division of Police. The many successes we’ve enjoyed would not have been possible without each of you.”
“We as New Castle County residents are fortunate to have an officer of Captain Joe Bloch’s caliber to lead us into the future,” said County Executive Meyer. “He is a tremendous public servant who will continue to improve relationships with the community and to lead with 21st century public safety strategies.”
“I am honored and humbled by this appointment from County Executive Matt Meyer and Chief Administrative Officer Vanessa Phillips,” said Capt. Bloch. “I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead as we continue to build trust with the communities we serve and ensure the safety of the citizens of New Castle County.”
Bloch is a 27-year veteran of the Police Department and was hired in 1994 as a recruit officer. He was promoted to the rank of Captain in November 2017, where he oversaw the patrol and criminal investigation units.
He serves as a member of the Child Protection Accountability Commission Member (appointed by Governor Carney) a member of Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (LEEDA), is a board member of Child Advocacy Centers, and was also appointed by Gov. Carney as a member of the Steering Commission on the Protection of Children (H.B. 371).
Capt. Bloch is a graduate of Delcastle High School and the University of Delaware and volunteers with the Food Bank of Delaware and Special Olympics Delaware.