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Delaware port authority names new CSO and police chief

By Security Staff

DRPA Finnegan-Cobbs — *Image courtesy of DRPA, Finnegan and Cobbs*

Captain Robert J. Finnegan, Sr., has been named Chief Security/Safety Officer (CSO) and Captain Edward W. Cobbs, Jr., has been named Chief of Police at the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA).

Robert Finnegan, Sr., named CSO

As CSO, Finnegan will manage the DRPA’s strategic planning efforts related to security and safety preparedness. In addition, he will oversee the agency’s Public Safety, Homeland Security/Emergency Management, and Safety departments. Finnegan is the first Chief Security/Safety Officer at the organization.

Finnegan joined the DRPA Police Department as a Police Officer in 1992. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2000, Lieutenant in 2010, and Captain in 2017. In 2016 and 2017, he served as the Acting Director of DRPA’s Homeland Security & Emergency Management Department. He has earned more than 130 specialized police training certificates and received more than 30 letters of commendations and law enforcement service awards.

Edward Cobbs, Jr., named Chief of Police

As Chief of Police, Cobbs will oversee the DRPA’s Public Safety Department which is responsible for protecting life, property and public assets spread across an extensive area, including DRPA’s four Delaware River toll bridges and the Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO) transit line with its 13 stations. The department handles more than 80,000 calls for service per year.

Cobbs joined the DRPA Police Department as a Police Officer in 1994. During his tenure, he was promoted to the ranks of Corporal in 1999, Sergeant in 2001, Lieutenant in 2010, and Captain in 2017. Cobbs had been rotating with Finnegan as the Acting Chief of Police of the DRPA Police Department since January 2021. He is the first African American to lead the department consisting of 150 sworn officers and 30 civilian members.

Cobbs is an armed forces veteran who served in the U.S. Army as a Military Police Canine Handler. He is currently a criminal justice Adjunct Professor at Rowan College of Burlington County and Wilmington University. He has earned numerous specialized training certificates, letters of commendation and achievement awards.

Congratulations to Finnegan and Cobbs!