10/01/2026
Please join us in congratulating Chief Wayne Kline on his retirement and thanking him for his many years of dedicated service to the State of Delaware and the Delaware Natural Resources Police!
Chief Kline is a 32-year law enforcement veteran of the Delaware Natural Resources Police (DNRP). He began his career as a Park Ranger at Delaware Seashore State Park in October of 1994. He went on to spend 30 years in the State Parks Unit, serving as the Chief of Enforcement for that Unit for 16 years. It was not uncommon to see him working side-by-side with fellow officers on holidays, busy weekends at the beach in the summer, or patrolling campgrounds in the evenings. He was very passionate about maintaining a mentor role for new officers, even in his leadership position.
In July of 2024, Chief Kline was appointed by the Secretary of Delaware DNREC to oversee a reorganization of the Delaware Natural Resources Police. The reorganization involved bringing the three previous enforcement divisions (State Parks, Environmental Crimes, and Fish and Wildlife) under one unified command structure for Natural Resources Police. He oversaw 75 Natural Resource Police Officers, 55 seasonal Patrol Officers, multiple specialty units to include K9, drone, honor guard, CISM, accreditation, budgeting and community outreach. He served as the Chief of Police for the last two years.
Chief Kline held multiple leadership roles throughout his distinguished career. He was appointed to the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Board of Directors in 2024, and he also served as the chairman of the IACP Environmental Crimes Committee. He served as vice-president of the Delaware Association of Chiefs of Police Executive Board and served on the Delaware Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Executive Board.
Thank you, Chief Kline, for your 32 years of dedicated service and leadership! We wish you and your family all the best in a well-earned retirement.