Pasco sheriff leadership: Jeff Harrington takes command after Chris Nocco resigns

Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed veteran law enforcement leader Jeff Harrington as the permanent sheriff of Pasco County on Wednesday, filling the leadership vacancy created when former Sheriff Chris Nocco stepped down.New Pasco sheriff leadershipThe transition started after former Sheriff Chris Nocco officially resigned on the eve of Election Day to campaign for the District 21 State Senate seat. Nocco won that election after directing the Pasco Sheriff's Office for 15 years.The chief judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit named Harrington interim sheriff on Tuesday following Nocco's departure. Harrington worked as Nocco's chief of staff before receiving the judicial appointment.Law enforcement career historyHarrington enters the permanent role with more than three decades in policing, according to agency officials. His career features 14 years of direct service within the Pasco Sheriff's Office.He previously spent nearly 20 years working as a police officer in New Port Richey, where he rose