Governor Ron DeSantis named Jeff Harrington as the permanent sheriff of Pasco County on Wednesday. This appointment fills the leadership gap left by former Sheriff Chris Nocco, who resigned to run for state Senate. Chief Judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit appointed Harrington as interim sheriff, recognizing his extensive background in local law enforcement. The former chief of staff has over thirty years of experience and served fourteen years directly within the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. Harrington previously rose to chief of police in New Port Richey working there for nearly twenty years.
Key Points:
- Former Sheriff Chris Nocco resigned on Election Day to campaign for District 21 State Senate seat
- Jeff Harrington was previously the chief of staff for Nocco before becoming interim sheriff
- Harrington has more than three decades of policing experience including 14 years in Pasco Sheriff’s Office
- He previously served as chief of police in New Port Richey for nearly 20 years
- Governor DeSantis formalized the permanent appointment one day after the interim translation
