Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan announced that James Vito, Chief of the Chester County Detectives, is retiring effective Dec. 31, 2015. Chief Vito is the longest serving member of the District Attorney’s Office, having been hired in 1979.
“It has been my duty and privilege to serve with the men and women of the Chester County Detectives,” said Chief Vito. “Working together with Chester County law enforcement, we have done our best to protect the citizens of Chester County. With the election of my wife Marian to the position of Magisterial District Judge, it is time for me to support her career and spend more time with our sons.”
District Attorney Hogan said, “Chief Vito has served with rock-ribbed integrity and great distinction for the past 35 years. Chester County law enforcement will miss his calm demeanor and work ethic. He has been an outstanding Chief and a credit to Chester County.”
Chief Vito is a graduate of West Chester University, then known as West Chester State College. He started his law enforcement career in 1976 with the West Goshen Police Department. In 1979, he joined the Chester County Detectives. He served under District Attorneys William Lamb, James Freeman, James MacElree, Anthony Sarcione, Joseph Carroll and Tom Hogan. He has served as the Chief of the Chester County Detectives for the last eight years. He also is a veteran of the United States Coast Guard.
Chief Vito has played a critical role in many law enforcement initiatives in Chester County. For the Chester County Detectives, he was involved in the creation and development of the Computer Forensics Unit, the Crime Scene Forensics Unit and the Child Abuse Unit. He has been one of the leaders in developing an active threat/mass casualty protocol for the entire County. He has overseen numerous high-profile murder cases, drug investigations, white collar fraud murders and political corruption issues.
Chief Vito is married to Marian Thayer Vito, who recently was elected to the position of Magisterial District Judge in West Chester. Marian Vito is an alumna of the District Attorney’s Office, which is where the two met. They have two sons.
“I have seen Chester County grow from a sleepy rural county to a vibrant and complex area that is the economic hub of the region,” said Chief Vito. “I have served with prosecutors and police officers who have made me laugh, cry and always made me proud at the end of the day. I would not change a day of my career serving Chester County.”
