Who Is Russ Mager?
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Nearly 30 years in Delray Beach PD: Mager began his law enforcement journey in 1996 as a patrol officer in Delray Beach, Florida. Over the decades he climbed through the ranks—detective, sergeant, lieutenant, and SWAT member—before becoming Assistant Chief of Field Operations (2020–2022) and then Chief in 2022.
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Strategic leadership & growth focus: As Delray’s Chief, he increased sworn personnel, bolstered crime-fighting units, expanded motor patrols, and added a marine patrol boat.
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Local ties: Though recently “retired,” Mager and his wife chose to relocate near Sarasota—making his acceptance of Longboat Key’s job a seamless move.
Transition to Longboat Key
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Selection by town: Chosen from a competitive, nationwide pool, Longboat Key’s Assistant Town Manager praised Mager’s experience in strategic planning, labor relations, budgeting, and community policing.
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Timeline: Officially announced June 19, 2025; introduced to Town Commission June 27; set to begin August 4.
Why Russ Mager Is an Excellent Pick
1. Stability & Organizational Growth
Mager’s record in Delray shows an ability to grow department resources responsibly—skills valuable for Longboat Key’s lean team of ~19 officers.
2. Expertise in Community-Focused Policing
He has spearheaded units targeting community safety and traffic concerns, aligning well with Longboat Key’s town ethos and policing goals.
3. Seasoned Strategic & Budget-Minded Leadership
Track record includes budget management, labor negotiations, and unit expansions—all critical for overseeing Longboat Key’s public safety priorities.
4. Local Commitment & Work-Life Integration
Moving his life to this area means Mager is invested long-term, combining local roots and career continuity—a plus for community trust development.
5. Bridging Past and Future
Following interim Chief Rubino’s strong stewardship during transition, Mager steps in with both fresh ideas and respect for established community dynamics.
What This Means for Longboat Key
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Enhanced crime prevention & patrol presence
Expect bolstered traffic and marine patrols, and strengthened crime-fighting strategies. -
Improved recruitment and training
His growth focus may help expand staffing and professional development opportunities. -
Stronger community relations
Mager emphasizes neighborhood engagement and transparent policing—vital for a tight-knit island town. -
Fiscal responsibility with innovation
Skilled in budgeting, he’s got the experience to support town services while forecasting potential growth.
A Vision for the Future
Chief Mager arrives at a pivotal time—Longboat Key’s population swells seasonally from ~7,500 to over 20,000, and public safety demands are rising alongside budget scrutiny for new hires. With his leadership, the community can expect:
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Proactive public safety planning for peak seasons
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Balanced budget advocacy that supports both safety and fiscal health
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Enhanced officer support and team cohesion to meet evolving challenges
Coming Up
Mager officially begins August 4. Residents can follow his first initiatives through the Town Commission’s meetings, likely starting from the June 27 intro session. Expect public updates on his plan to integrate and enhance the department in the months ahead.
In Summary
Chief Russ Mager brings a rich mix of leadership, strategic insight, and community-first policing to Longboat Key. His proven ability to grow and reform in Delray Beach—along with his commitment to local life—makes him well suited to guide this coastal community into a safer, more connected future.
