Longtime Toms River police chief retires after feud with mayor

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Toms River said goodbye to its longtime police chief Friday afternoon. Chief Mitch Little stepped aside after 38 years with the Toms River Police Department, including 10 as chief. “I've never seen a walkout like this,” Little said. “To me, it's the relationship with the community that has saved us.” During his retirement speech, Little brought up his father and others who he says helped make the department what it is. “My dad was here since 1968,” Little said. “He worked here for 26 years and five years in Weehawken. And then my son, hopefully, someday will be here.” But the chief’s final year was a rocky one. He sparred publicly with first-year Mayor Daniel Rodrick over staffing cuts and was suspended in April for a reported administrative issue. “The mayor and I had such a tumultuous relationship that I was only hurting the organization by being here,” Little said. “We tried to patch things up, but it was difficult. I think we had different visions of what we saw.” In July, Little was tasked by the mayor to tell Silverton EMS that he’d stop dispatching them during a financial investigation. The township hired additional EMTs and ambulances, but Little says their absence is felt. “We told the mayor we'll never have enough ambulances,” Little said. “We could have 20 on, and 20 can be tied up at all times. It's just the way it is.” News 12 reached out to Rodrick for further comment and is waiting to hear back. But disagreements aside, there was one final act for Little before retirement - an impromptu final call. “I’m going to miss you, and I love you all,” Little said before hanging up his radio for the last time. "