WILMINGTON — On Wednesday, Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Lew Schiliro announced his retirement after more than six years in the position. He intends to take time off before returning to teaching and the private sector, according to a news release issued by Gov. Jack Markell’s office.

“Lew has been a trusted adviser and a strong leader, and I am grateful to him for his many contributions over the last seven years,” said Gov. Markell. “I will miss his leadership and counsel and I wish him well as he enters the next phase of his life.”

Lewis Schiliro

The governor said he will nominate Jim Mosley, a former Wilmington Public Safety Director with a career of public service in the military and law enforcement, to succeed Secretary Schiliro. Gov. Markell will submit his nomination to the State Senate for consideration during a special session on Wednesday.

“Jim has dedicated his life to ensuring the safety and security of others,” said Gov. Markell. “If confirmed by the Senate, his experience, skills and passion for service, combined with the strong relationships he’s built, will support our ongoing efforts to strengthen public safety across our state.”

Mr. Mosley has worked with local, state, federal and international agencies in a variety of code and law enforcement environments including overt and covert operations in a career spanning more than 40 years.

Secretary Schiliro came to Delaware as a 25-year veteran with the U.S. Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation.

After retiring from the FBI, Secretary Schiliro held several leadership positions at MBNA Bank, the Metropolitan Transit Authority in New York City and AIG Insurance.

“First, I express my heartfelt thanks to the governor for giving me an incredible opportunity to work with the men and women of the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security,” Secretary Schiliro said in a news release.

“Their dedication, enthusiasm, and compassion for all Delawareans has truly been an inspiration that I have witnessed every day.

“Secondly, I express my appreciation to each and every member of the department for what they do, for who they are and most importantly for their commitment to the people of the state of Delaware. It has truly been an honor and privilege to serve with each and every one of them.”

Gov. Markell’s office listed and detailed what it said were several key accomplishments during Secretary Schiliro’s tenure, covering the creation of State Gun Investigation Unit, strengthening gun laws, implementing a comprehensive school safety program, creating a new Division of Forensic Science/Commission of Forensic Science and Division of Gaming Enforcement, enhanced court security, and the Delaware State Police Maritime Unit.

In Wilmington, officials said highlights involved crime reduction assistance, including Operation Pressure Point, high visibility operation, gun buy back program and Public Safety Strategies Safety Commission, among other achievements.