Sheriff Eric Scheffler is pleased to announce the promotion of Captain James Sharkey to the rank of Chief Sheriff’s Officer on January 1, 2021.
Chief Sharkey entered law enforcement in 1997 when he was hired by the Atlantic County Justice Facility. During his tenure at the Justice Facility, Sharkey served as both a Corrections Officer and Corrections Sergeant.
In 2004, Sharkey was hired by the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office where he was assigned to the Courts and Transportation Unit and then the Fugitive Unit during his time as a Sheriff’s Officer. In 2009, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant, 2012 promoted to the rank of lieutenant, and elevated to the rank of captain in 2017.
While rising through the ranks Chief Sharkey was assigned to the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Guns, Gangs and Narcotics Task Force, was the Department’s Supervising Firearms Instructor and served as a member of the Atlantic County Emergency Response Team.
Sheriff Scheffler stated that Chief Sharkey is one of most knowledgeable and dedicated supervisors he has ever worked with. Scheffler continued by saying Chief Sharkey has received a certificate of merit for Exceptional Police Service from PBA local 243, and Honorable Service, Exceptional Service and the Gallantry Star Excellent Arrest awards from the Sheriff’s Office.
He resides in Linwood with his wife and two children.
