Nominee for sheriff selected

Former Wyoming Police Chief John Gilligan was nominated Tuesday by Gov. Ed Rendell to become Luzerne County sheriff.

Gilligan, 60, must be confirmed by a simple majority vote of the state Senate.

If confirmed, Gilligan will take the reins from Acting Sheriff Charles Guarnieri, the former chief deputy under former sheriff Michael Savokinas. Guarnieri has been serving since Sept. 1 when Savokinas abruptly resigned.

The news of Gilligan’s appointment came as a shock to Guarnieri, who said had he known the governor was going to appoint a new sheriff, he would have submitted his own name for consideration.

“I really didn’t know it was open for nominations,” Guarnieri, 48, said. “I’m shocked at this news. I would have sent a letter of intent to the governor had I known.”

Gilligan said he is “honored and excited” by the prospect of becoming county sheriff. He said he will fill Savokinas’ unexpired term and he intends to run for election when the time comes.

Gilligan has been working as a security guard at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital and said he will probably leave that position if he is confirmed by the Senate.

“I look forward to this new twist to my career in law enforcement,” Gilligan said. “It’s my intent to bring some continuity to the sheriff’s office; I want to bring the deputies together and get them working as a unit.”

Gilligan, a Democrat, served on the Wyoming Borough police force for 32 years from 1972 to 2004, the last 22 as chief of the department.

“I intend to work hand in hand with the county commissioners,” Gilligan said. “I’m really looking forward to getting in there and doing a good job.”

Gilligan said he sent his resume to Rendell shortly after Savokinas resigned in September. He said nobody asked him to apply for the position.

“Actually, I did consider running for the position in the past,” Gilligan said. “When this opportunity came up, I decided to seek the appointment.”

Gilligan said he received a call from the governor’s office on Monday informing him of the nomination.

Luzerne County Commissioner Chairwoman Maryanne Petrilla said she was pleased to hear of Gilligan’s appointment.

“I think it’s great,” she said. “I don’t really know the man, but I look forward to working with him once he is confirmed.”

Gary Tuma, Rendell’s press secretary, issued a statement on Gilligan’s nomination and the nomination of two judicial hopefuls – Joseph Van Jura of Kingston and Lewis Wood Wetzel of Dallas.

“The governor considers all three appointees to be distinguished and accomplished individuals who possess experience and integrity, and are well respected in the community,” Tuma said. “He believes they are fair, ethical, and will be dedicated to serving the interest of the citizens of Luzerne County.”

Gilligan and his wife, Karen, are parents of seven children. They reside in Wyoming.

Gilligan said it would be premature for him to comment on staff, especially the retention of Guarnieri.

“If he becomes sheriff, he has the right to retain me or release me,” Guarnieri said. “It will be up to him. The chief deputy is an appointed position.”

Guarnieri said he knows Gilligan well and hopes to be retained. Guarnieri said he has 26 years of law enforcement experience, having served as police chief in Duryea and before that in Pittston Township.

The sheriff’s office recently was subjected to an investigation by the FBI concerning gun sales.

Guarnieri has filed a lawsuit against the county commissioners over a $6,787 pay cut, regarding his pay and change in job title from chief deputy to acting sheriff. Guarnieri earned $43,349 before the change to the sheriff’s salary of $36,562.

Last July, a small amount of suspected marijuana was found in a sheriff’s cruiser, and then-Sheriff Savokinas said he believed it was planted there. Although Savokinas did not implicate anyone, he said there were several confrontations with influential county figures who he said might want to see his reputation damaged.

Clear 54°

Luzerne County Government

John Gilligan was on the Wyoming police force for 32 years, including 22 as the chief.

Place Quick Ads