Will Atlantic City Firefighters Follow Police & Endorse Indicted Mayor?

The pressure is now on the Atlantic City professional firefighters.

The Atlantic City PBA endorsed Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small earlier this week.

This puts the “ball” squarely in the Atlantic City firefighter’s hands whether they like it or not.

Small has implemented an aggressive strategy to have as many respected people and agencies endorse his campaign for reelection as possible.

Under normal circumstances, it would be next to impossible to run for reelection (such as Small) while facing numerous child abuse and witness tampering criminal charges.

These kinds of charges would end any serious consideration for most candidates.

Small somehow managed to convince the Atlantic City police department to overlook his criminal charges and they provided him with an unconditional, enthusiastic endorsement.

The Atlantic City Police Department barely mentioned Small’s criminal charges only saying:

While we acknowledge that you face personal legal matters, our endorsement reflects your leadership and accomplishment in office. We trust the legal process to take its course and remain focused on choosing the best leader for Atlantic City's future. PBA Local #24 urges every member of our union to join us in reelecting you as Mayor.

Here is the Atlantic City Police Department endorsement letter in its entirety:

Bob McDevitt, who is Small’s challenger in the Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Democrat Primary Election said the following:

“Welcome to "Upside Down World"! The social rot runs deep here. If you wonder why we're in so much distress you need to go no further than this putrid smelling endorsement. Help is on the way brothers and sisters! Safe, Clean Streets!, said McDevitt.

John Varallo is the President of the Atlantic City Professional Firefighters. There has been no comment whatsoever as to whether or not the professional will endorse Small.

Multiple sources have conveyed that the pressure being brought to bear (to endorse) is immense.

Developing.