DeSantis names permanent Pasco sheriff

Gov. Ron DeSantis confirmed Jeff Harrington as the permanent sheriff of Pasco County on Wednesday. The decision finalized a leadership transition that began just 24 hours prior. Harrington had served as the interim chief since Tuesday when the chief judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit appointed him to the role.

The vacancy followed the departure of Chris Nocco, who resigned on the eve of Election Day. Nocco stepped down after 15 years leading the agency to campaign for the District 21 State Senate seat. He won the election, leaving the sheriff's office without a permanent head for a brief period.

Harrington is not new to the department. Officials noted that he spent 14 years working directly within the Pasco Sheriff's Office. Before his recent elevation, he served as Nocco's chief of staff. In total, Harrington brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience to the position.

The governor's office made the permanent appointment official on Wednesday. This move ended the interim period that started when the judicial appointment took effect on Tuesday. The rapid succession of events consolidated the new leadership structure immediately after the election.

Harrington is scheduled to hold his first news conference as permanent sheriff on Thursday. He will address the community at 1 p.m. to outline his plans for the agency. This briefing will be his first public statement in the role.