Maricopa County has officially named Russ Skinner as its new sheriff following the resignation of Paul Penzone last month, as reported by FOX 10 Phoenix. Skinner, who has been part of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office since 1990, steps up to lead law enforcement in one of the nation's fastest-growing counties.
Skinner was appointed by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors with a 4-1 vote, with Supervisor Steve Gallardo casting the opposing ballot. According to AZ Family, to be eligible for appointment, Skinner, along with other candidates, changed their political affiliations due to a requirement that the successor hail from the same party as Penzone, a Democrat. Skinner shall hold the sheriff position until the November election.
The Maricopa County Board had to quickly to choose a replacement after Penzone announced he would not run for a third term, eventually resigning to pursue a new opportunity with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. Penzone began his career with the Phoenix Police Department in 1988, making a significant mark in law enforcement before serving as sheriff since 2016, when he ended Joe Arpaio's 24-year tenure.
In his first statement as sheriff, Skinner expressed his gratitude, "I’m deeply grateful to Chairman Sellers and the Board of Supervisors for entrusting me with the responsibility to serve as appointed Sheriff," FOX 10 Phoenix reported. He emphasized his commitment to, "uphold the mission of safeguarding lives and property in Maricopa County," alongside the department's officers and employees, aiming to assure a "secure and thriving environment for all."
Skinner brings a wealth of experience to the position, having formerly been a D.A.R.E. officer and a search and rescue coordinator, as well as his work in financial and computer crimes. As Penzone's chief deputy, he led patrol and investigative operations and managed enforcement and custody bureaus. His appointment comes at a critical time as Maricopa County grapples with the demands of rapid growth and evolving public safety challenges.
