After Tony Vlachos won Survivor: Cagayan in 2014, his on-screen deception prompted questions about whether he could be trusted as a Jersey City police officer. Retrospective accounts say New Jersey congressional candidate Aaron W. Fraser sought to have him fired. The available reporting supports describing this as a reported firing effort—not saying Vlachos was fired, formally disciplined, or officially investigated.
Why Vlachos’s win raised questions about his police work
In a May 22, 2014 report, Inside Edition described public questions about Vlachos’s job after he won Survivor: Cagayan. The concern was a perceived conflict: on the show, he lied and bluffed as part of a strategy to win; as a police officer, his credibility could matter in court.
Interviewer Jim Moret posed a hypothetical: could a defense attorney point to Vlachos’s televised lying to challenge his credibility? Vlachos replied, “Because it’s a game. I gotta bluff you to win the game,” and said, “By telling the truth. I never lie under oath.” Those are his answers in the interview, not independent verification of his testimony or job performance.
Inside Edition described him at the time as a 14-year veteran of the police force. The report also included reactions from residents in his hometown. Those comments document individual reactions, not a poll, official department position, or evidence that his work was affected.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- The Official Survivor card game is here: Collect advantages, find hidden Immunity Idols, form secret alliances, and vote out other players to become the sole survivor.
- Designed by Jeff Probst: From the 67 Action Cards and 12 Survivor Character Cards to the Voting Box and Survival Guide– each one underwent rigorous testing by the King of Survivor.
- Perfect For Survivor Fans And Newbies Alike: It’s easy to learn and quick to play for adults, teens, and kids aged 8 and up.
- This party game brings all the thrills and drama of the island to family game nights or Survivor watch parties. Plus, it’s a great gift for the Survivor fan in your life.
- From The People Who Brought You Exploding Kittens: The Kickstarter famous, viral card game that started it all!
What is reported about an effort to get him fired
Two retrospective sources connect the controversy to Aaron W. Fraser, described as a New Jersey congressional candidate. A Survivor Wiki entry says Fraser tried to get Vlachos fired over conduct it characterized as unbecoming of a police officer, and that the effort apparently failed. A 2020 Parade profile likewise says a congressional candidate called for his firing and reports that Vlachos returned to the force soon after.
These accounts support the careful phrasing that Fraser reportedly sought Vlachos’s firing or that Vlachos faced calls for his firing. They do not establish that termination was formally imminent. The contemporaneous Inside Edition report records public concerns and Vlachos’s response, but does not document Fraser’s action or a department decision.
Rank #2
- Survivor at Home: Quick, easy to learn, the official Survivor party game for families and groups. Fast setup, replayable rounds, and excitement for every age. Playable with two players, but even more fun with larger groups for bigger alliances and strategy.
- Perfect Gift for Survivor Fans: Great for family game nights, outdoor gatherings, and watch parties. A fun, affordable gift for fans who love competition, strategy, and laughter.
- Strategy, Luck, and Physical Challenges: Use the iconic Survivor Bag of Rocks to bluff, bid, and take risks in 5 new Survivor challenges.
- Enjoy as a standalone experience or connect with Survivor: The Tribe Has Spoken for expanded play and more characters.
- All the Island Essentials: Includes 10 Grey Rocks, 3 Purple Rocks, 1 Cloth Bag, 15 Challenge Cards, 12 Character Cards, and 1 Immunity Necklace for a true island feel.
What is—and is not—known about the outcome
The reviewed coverage does not establish that Vlachos was fired. Nor does it document an official investigation, disciplinary action, a formal request to the Jersey City Police Department, or the department’s response. Parade’s retrospective profile says he returned to the force, while the fan-maintained wiki describes the reported attempt as unsuccessful; neither is an employment record or a statement from the department.
That distinction matters: a public call for dismissal is not the same as an employer opening a case or deciding to terminate someone. The exact process and official outcome of the reported effort remain unverified in the cited accounts.
Rank #3
- Boxed Game
Later Survivor appearances are separate from the employment story
Vlachos returned to the show in Survivor: Game Changers in 2017 and was eliminated early. In a TV Guide exit interview published March 9, 2017, he said he believed overhearing a conversation between Sandra Diaz-Twine and Troyzan led him to confront Sandra and become a target. He also discussed digging a “spy bunker” near the water well to listen for strategic conversations. This illustrates his approach to gameplay; it does not provide evidence about what happened with his police employment in 2014.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Do Not Begin Unless You Intend to Finish – Jumanji The Board Game takes you & your fellow adventurers on a quest through the jungle, solving riddles & completing challenges as you fight to survive
- Jungle Adventure for 2-4 Players – Roll to determine the number of spaces to move, then race across the colorful jungle-themed board to be the first to reach the center & yell “JUMANJI” to win
- Discover Jumanji’s Secrets – What would Jumanji be without a little trickery? Slide a card into the center decoder to magically reveal the next challenge you must overcome on your way to victory
- Family Game Night: Make memories with board games for kids 4-6, board games for kids 6-8 & board games for kids 8-12. take the fun outside with camping games & outdoor games for adults and family
- Spin Master Toys & Games: Looking for kids games, yard games & card games for grown ups, kids or teens? Shop everything from family game night, travel games, puzzles for adults & family games
Rank #4
- Product Details: Shipping Weight: 3 pounds, ASIN: B00004WHR4
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #67,328 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games
- Product Features: Based on the wildly popular first season of the Survivor TV series
- Just like on the show, meet challenges and employ your best team strategies,
- Played on an illustrated game board, comes with a plastic replica of the island of Pulau Tiga as its centerpiece and cardholder, An illustrated game board, 168 game cards in 3 different categories of questions and riddles, Pictionary-type cards, a special die, Also includes 10 playing pieces and stands, 9 erasable voting cards, an erasable pen, immunity idol, and an instruction sheet, Its a multiplayer game (for 4-8 players)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
