Bethany Beach appoints Patrick Foley as police chief
The Bethany Beach Town Council voted unanimously at its April 15 meeting to appoint Sgt. Patrick Foley as police chief. Foley has been serving as the town’s officer in charge since January.
The Bethany Beach Police Department initially hired Foley in 2006, and he has since steadily progressed through the ranks. In his 18-year tenure, he has served in many capacities while earning the respect of his fellow officers and the community he serves.
Foley’s leadership skills emerged early on during his time as a summer police officer, when he was quickly promoted to seasonal supervisor. His comprehensive background in law enforcement and work ethic have given him the skill set to master the challenge of new roles, from public information officer and community relations officer to patrol sergeant and CALEA accreditation manager. Bethany law enforcement is in the 5% of agencies nationwide that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. This coveted achievement is considered the gold standard in public safety.
“I was surprised by the decision,” said Foley. “I really enjoy working for the town and community. I’ve learned a lot in my time here so far and am looking forward to what lies ahead.”
Originally from Massachusetts, Foley is a Delaware resident who is active in the Bethany Beach community with outreach events and initiatives. He has twice received the chamber’s prestigious Officer of the Year award, in 2007 and 2014.
