Atlantic City Public Safety Director Tried To Fire Police Chief?

During a live, on-air interview on Thursday, October 22, 2026, former Atlantic City, New Jersey Councilman George Tibbitt made an explosive allegation.

George Tibbitt Served As Atlantic City Councilman For 20 Years

Tibbitt served on the Atlantic City Council from 2005-2025.

Tibbitt stated yesterday (on “Hurley in the Morning”) that Atlantic City Public Safety Director Sean Riggin attempted to suspend or fire Jim Sarkos, Atlantic City Chief of Police.

Tibbitt called what he alleged that Riggin had done to Sarkos, “a snake move.”

Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small

I called Mayor Small yesterday to discuss the on-air allegation that was raised by Tibbitt. Tibbitt directly credited Mayor Small for stepping-up and undoing the unjust termination action that was allegedly taken by Riggin.

Mayor Small politely told me that he could not confirm or deny the allegations because it is a City of Atlantic City personnel matter.

Confidential Atlantic City Hall Sources Have Confirmed The Following

Atlantic City Hall — Harry Hurley photo.

Well placed, Atlantic City Hall sources have confirmed to me that Riggin did not directly take action to fire Sarkos as Atlantic City Chief of Police.

It was the state of New Jersey who wanted Sarkos terminated.

We have also confirmed that Mayor Small reversed the action taken to fire Sarkos, and, he was ultimately not suspended or fired.

For Those Who Say That Riggin Is “The State of New Jersey …

There appears to be a reasonable distinction with a difference here. While it’s easy to just say that Riggin is the same as the state of New Jersey in this matter.

In other words you can’t separate him from the state of New Jersey‘s desire to fire Sarkos.

However, my City Hall sources have confirmed that Riggin did not want Sarkos to be suspended, or, fired.

Sean Riggin Is Currently Running For Atlantic County Sheriff

Riggin is running against incumbent Atlantic County Sheriff Joe O’Donoghue in the General Election of November 3, 2026.

I have also confirmed that the issue of Atlantic City Chief of Police Jim Sarkos was raised at a recent candidates forum held before retired members of the Atlantic City Police Department.

O’Donoghue directly raised this allegation against Riggin. Riggin denied it and stated that he was responsible for Sarkos receiving a contract to serve as the Atlantic City Chief of Police.

O’Donoghue & Riggin Are Scheduled To Debate Two More Times Before Election Day

Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 4:00 p.m. hour, with Scott Cronick, on WOND Radio.
Friday, October 30, 2026, 8:00 a.m. hour, with “Hurley in the Morning,” on WPG Talk Radio 95.5 FM & 1450 AM.