Gov. Markell is losing another member of his cabinet.
Markell’s office announced Wednesday that Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Lou Schiliro is retiring.
Schiliro has been in the post since the start of the Markell administration in 2009. He’s the fifth member of the governor’s cabinet to leave this year as Markell’s second and final term winds down.
“Lew has been a trusted advisor and a strong leader, and I am grateful to him for his many contributions over the last seven years,” said Markell in a statement. “I will miss his leadership and counsel and I wish him well as he enters the next phase of his life.”
During his seven years at Safety and Homeland Security, Schiliro spearheaded a number of initiatives, including creation of a State Gun Investigation Unit and a Comprehensive School Safety Program.
He also oversaw the move of the state crime lab into his department. The new Division of Forensic Science was established after an evidence tampering scandal in the old lab saw lawmakers move it out of Health and Social Services.
Markell is nominating former Wilmington Public Safety Director Jim Mosley to replace Schiliro. Mosley’s nomination will be among a number considered by the state Senate during a special session next Wednesday.
