INTERVIEW WITH FRANK DELUCA

After 34 years with the New Hope Police Department, Frank DeLuca is continuing a lifetime of local service as New Hope’s mayor, with a focus on community, thoughtful development, and preserving the town’s distinctive character. Here’s what he has to say about his journey and current role.

What was your path to New Hope?

I grew up in Feasterville with five brothers. My mother always wanted a daughter, but she had to settle for a Labrador retriever. I graduated from Neshaminy High School in 1975 and joined the Army the following year. I wanted to become a military police officer, but I was 5-foot-6 and the minimum height was 5-foot-9. The recruiter told me to stretch. I said, “How am I supposed to stretch three more inches?” So I became a military intelligence analyst instead. After the Army, I returned to Pennsylvania, worked in security, and heard about an opening with the New Hope Police Department. I joined when I was about 23 and served for 34 years.

What is one story you still tell from your police career?

I was only a few months on the job when I got a call that the mayor of New Hope had been robbed at the Logan Inn. The suspect had crossed into Lambertville, New Jersey, where I found him near the bridge. He denied knowing anything, and then I started pulling the stolen money out of his shirt. The newspaper headline was something like, “Rookie Cop Nabs New Hope Mayor’s Robber.” I certainly never imagined that rookie cop would become mayor himself.

How would you describe your approach to policing?

I always tried to treat people the way I would want to be treated. In 34 years, I never had to use a baton, mace, or Taser. I believed in talking to people and calming situations whenever possible.

What made you decide to run for mayor?

My husband served on Borough Council for 12 years, and I attended many meetings with him. I watched what was happening and thought, “I could do that job. I think I’d be a good mayor.” I had also volunteered through the Shade Tree Commission, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, and programs that helped seniors with rides and errands. Running for mayor felt like a continuation of that service. I first ran four years ago and lost by seven votes. I kept knocking on doors and stayed involved.

What are some of your priorities as mayor?

I would like to see more bicycle and foot patrols downtown on busy weekends. Officers should be visible, talking with people, and helping pedestrians navigate crowded streets. I also want to reduce single-use plastics, preserve historic homes, and keep new development appropriate to New Hope’s scale. We should welcome visitors without losing the town’s character.

What do you hope never changes about New Hope?

The characters and the small-town feeling. As a police officer, I knew the people, the buildings, and practically every house. New Hope has changed, but I hope we never lose that familiarity and sense of connection.

What would your perfect day in New Hope look like?

My husband and I would walk into town, have a meal at one of our favorite restaurants—Martine’s RiverHouse, Karla’s, or The Cub Room—and browse the shops. Every restaurant and store has its own personality, so there is always something new to discover. I would also spend time in Lenape Park. I love that New Hope still feels like a place where you can walk around, see familiar faces, and feel connected to the community.

Photograph courtesy of Frank DeLuca