ARIZONA NEWS

Maricopa County supervisors start sheriff search after accepting Penzone’s resignation

Jan 10, 2024, 5:00 PM

Paul Penzone's resignation was accepted Jan. 10, 2024, clearing the way for the Maricopa County Boa...

Paul Penzone's resignation was accepted Jan. 10, 2024, clearing the way for the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors to begin the search for an interim sheriff. (Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Photo)

(Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Photo)

PHOENIX — Paul Penzone’s resignation was accepted Wednesday, clearing the way for the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors to begin the search for an interim sheriff.

Under state law, Chief Deputy Sheriff Russ Skinner will fill the role until the board makes an appointment. Skinner will take over following Penzone’s final day on Friday.

“I would like to thank Sheriff Penzone for going above and beyond to keep Maricopa County residents safe,” Chairman Jack Sellers said in a press release. “In particular, I appreciate his collaboration on security matters related to elections.”

What’s the process for filling the interim Maricopa County sheriff role?

Sheriff candidates will have until Jan. 19 at 5 p.m. to submit their application for the position.

Candidates must be a Democrat since that was Penzone’s party affiliation. They must also be a resident of Maricopa County.

Applicants need to send their letters of interest along with a resume to the Office of the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, 301 W. Jefferson St., 10th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85003, or email it to ClerkBoard@maricopa.gov.

Whoever is appointed to the role will serve in it until a new sheriff is elected in November.

Why did Penzone step down early as Maricopa County sheriff?

Penzone is going to work for Blue Cross Blue Shield after his seven-year run. He will be in charge of the insurer’s community programs and charitable giving.

Penzone said talks with Blue Cross Blue Shield initially involved security aspects before evolving.

“They’ve given me an amazing opportunity, and it’s a great organization,” he told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Arizona’s Morning News last month.

Penzone, when he announced his departure on Oct. 2, said at the time he was stepping down to pursue opportunities to serve the public in different ways.

His résumé includes 21 years with the Phoenix Police Department and a stint as vice president of Childhelp, a nonprofit dedicated to the treatment and prevention of child abuse.

Penzone was first elected sheriff in 2016, ousting longtime Republican Sheriff Joe Arpaio, and won a second term in 2020.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

research funding...

Kevin Stone

Arizona joins lawsuit to stop Trump research funding cuts that could cost state millions

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes joined a multistate lawsuit against the Trump administration to protect medical and public health research funding.

34 minutes ago

The Arizona Constitution currently provides legislative immunity for traffic violations....

Kevin Stone

Arizona Republican wants lawmakers to follow same traffic laws as everyone else

An Arizona lawmaker introduced a resolution that would refer a constitutional amendment ending legislative immunity for traffic violations to the ballot.

2 hours ago

Officials: WM Phoenix Open 2025 more peaceful than last year...

Serena O'Sullivan

This year’s WM Phoenix Open upgrades made event smoother, more respectful, organizers say

Event organizers put in place a variety of changes during the WM Phoenix Open 2025 after weather conditions and crowd issues last year.

3 hours ago

Detectives are looking for the suspect in a fatal shooting at a Phoenix apartment complex....

Kevin Stone

Police seek suspect after fatal shooting at west Phoenix apartment complex

Detectives are trying to find a suspect after a fatal shooting over the weekend at a west Phoenix apartment complex.

4 hours ago

A man was stabbed to death near the Arizona Capitol complex in Phoenix over the weekend....

Kevin Stone

Man stabbed to death at bus stop near Arizona Capitol in Phoenix

A man was stabbed to death near the Arizona Capitol complex in Phoenix over the weekend, authorities said.

5 hours ago

Phoenix forecast rain...

Kevin Stone

Phoenix could see its heaviest rainfall in months later this week

The metro Phoenix forecast calls for a warm start to the week followed by a quick cooldown, with a good chance for the heaviest rainfall in months.

5 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Collins Comfort Masters: Your go-to plumbing experts in Arizona

Collins Comfort Masters, a trusted name in HVAC, water and plumbing since 1985, is you go-to plumbers for the residents of Phoenix and the Valley.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How IRAs are a helpful tool in retirement planning

When it comes to retirement planning, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) can be a great tool for income growth.

...

The UPS Store

How The UPS Store is giving back to the community

PHOENIX -- As 2024 nears a close, The UPS Store is looking to give back to the Arizona community with the holiday season approaching.

Maricopa County supervisors start sheriff search after accepting Penzone’s resignation