Thomas P. Gordon
| Thomas Gordon | |
|---|---|
| Executive of New Castle County | |
|
In office November 13, 2012 – January 3, 2017 |
|
| Preceded by | Paul Clark |
| Succeeded by | Matt Meyer |
|
In office January 8, 1997 – January 4, 2005 |
|
| Preceded by | Dennis Greenhouse |
| Succeeded by | Chris Coons |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
September 10, 1952 Wilmington, Delaware, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Susan Gordon |
| Children | Michael Jennifer Gordon Daniel |
| Alma mater | Wilmington University |
Thomas P. Gordon is an American politician, law enforcement expert and former County Executive of New Castle County, Delaware. Prior to serving two terms (1997-2004) as New Castle County Executive, Gordon was the Chief of Police for New Castle County. He retired from the Police department in 1997.
Born and raised in Wilmington, DE, Gordon attended Salesianum School, a private Catholic men's high school operated by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. He received both his bachelor's and master's degrees from Wilmington University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy as well as the United States Secret Service Protection Program.
Before his first run for county executive – promising improved finances, better parks and overhaul of land use laws responsible for out-of-control development in the Bear-Glasgow region -- Gordon served in the New Castle County Police Department, rising in its ranks to become Chief of Police.
Gordon served as the President of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) in Delaware from 1984-1986. The Law Enforcement Officer Bill of Rights was signed into law on May 13, 1985, during Gordon's term as FOP President.
Gordon began his career in the public sector upon joining the New Castle County Police Department in 1975. As a police officer he was assigned to the Patrol Division Criminal Unit, as well as the Attorney General's White Collar Crime Unit. Gordon was promoted to Sergeant in 1980, Lieutenant in 1984, and Captain in 1988. Gordon was Co-commander of Delaware's first serial killer task force which led to the apprehension and prosecution of Steven Brian Pennell, the state's first and only known serial killer.
Gordon worked closely with then Senator Joseph Biden in the creation and writing of the landmark U.S. Crime Bill which was signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1994. The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act was the largest of its kind in US history and widely regarded as the most successful. Since implementation, violent and property crime in the United States has declined 43% and 37% respectively.
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