Atlantic County, NJ: Sheriff Should Takeover The Jail [Opinion]

I have thought about this often over the past 33 years on-air at WPG Talk Radio 95.5 and I always come to the same conclusion.

The Atlantic County Sheriff should run the jail. It’s a natural fit.

The Atlantic County administration took over the management of the Atlantic County jail in September of 1987, in what is now called the Department of Public Safety.

From 1837 to 1987, it was the Sheriff who ran the Atlantic County Jail. The Sheriff even led executions … the last was on September 20, 1907 when Joseph Labriola was hung for murder by Sheriff Seth E. Johnson.

The execution took place “from the hanging tree which stood in Mays Landing near the old courthouse,” according to official Atlantic County Sheriff Department records.

GERARD GORMLEY WAS THE GOLD STANDARD

The prototype is former Atlantic County Sheriff Gerard Gormley. Gormley served 6 terms and 22 years, from 1947 to 1969.

Gormley and his family lived in The Sheriff’s residence, located right next to the jail in a home that still stands unoccupied, today.

In those days, The Sheriff was the top law enforcement official for the County of Atlantic.

Back on November 8, 2022, we caught-up with former Senator Bill Gormley and directly asked him what was it like to live right next to the Atlantic County Jail.

Gormley lived in the sheriff's house from the ages of 1-23, meaning almost all of his developmental, formative years.

"Great people lived in downtown Mays Landing. It was a great experience and it was very special," said Gormley.

"Wonderful families like the Duberson Family lived in Mays Landing," said Gormley.

The Sheriff's House was declared a historic site in 1999 by The Weinstein Commission. It's a solid building, with the walls and ceilings that are made of concrete.

UNIQUE ITEMS IN THE SHERIFF’S HOUSE

There are many unique fixtures and artifacts, like this clock that was built around 1912, pictured directly below.

ATLANTIC COUNTY CLERK JOE GIRALO

The clock (above) was built by the International Time Recording Company, of Endicott, New York.

Atlantic County Clerk Joe Giralo is fast becoming a legitimate, dedicated historian for Atlantic County.

He would like to fully restore this clock back to working order. There is intricate work that needs to be done to the spring mechanism.

Giralo has taken a keen interest in the history of The Old Atlantic County Jail and has displayed reverence for The Sheriff's Home.

NEXT ATLANTIC COUNTY EXECUTIVE

Many people believe that Joe Giralo will be the next Atlantic County executive.

Below, is a photo of Senator Gormley and Giralo at the sheriff’s house as it stands today.

The case seems self-evident that the Atlantic County Sheriff should once again take over the management of the Atlantic County jail.

It would be a natural, back to the future adjustment.

Below are photos of Senator Gormley at work and play.

See below, a photo gallery of great restaurants that are available in the Atlantic City area.

Bon appétit.