Republican Joe O’Donoghue announced his bid for Atlantic County Sheriff this morning during an appearance on the  Hurley in the Morning radio show. “I’ve been a street cop all my life, policing is our family business and it’s time for me to get back to work. Returning our Sheriff’s office to a premier law enforcement agency is my top priority.” O’Donoghue said.

O’Donoghue expanded on the shift the Atlantic County Sheriff’s office has made over the past two years. “Right now under its current leadership our Sheriff’s office is more of a social service agency than a tool to support local law enforcement. When I’m elected Sheriff we’ll get back to our core mission – securing the courts, and augmenting law enforcement across the 23 communities in Atlantic County”

Several elected officials, law enforcement professionals and candidates called into the  Hurley in the morning show to express their support. Former Chief of the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office Cliff Sudler weighed in with an endorsement of support for O’Donoghue “Joe is a decorated street cop with a record of accomplishment that’s unmatched by most here in Atlantic County. I could not be happier that he’s in this race and give him my full endorsement,” Sudler said.

O’Donoghue brings with him a broad resume of experience as a law enforcement professional having most recently served as a Sergeant with the New Jersey State Superior Court system.  Prior to his assignment with the Courts O’Donoghue served 18 years with the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office. During his time as a law enforcement professional O’Donoghue received numerous awards and commendations including the medal of valor.  In addition, O’Donoghue has held leadership positions in several police unions including PBA Locals 77 and 243 in Atlantic County.

Law enforcement is a tradition in the O’Donoghue family with four of Joe’s children being sworn law enforcement officers serving in Atlantic County as well as one serving in the State of Florida.  Joe resides in Egg Harbor Township and is presently engaged to his longtime girlfriend Marie Ortiz.