Pasco names interim sheriff

Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco resigned late Monday night.

He steps down to run for the District 21 State Senate seat. Jeff Harrington, formerly Nocco's chief of staff, is the new interim sheriff. The Chief Judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit appointed him. The appointment took effect at midnight Tuesday.

Harrington will lead the department until the governor picks a permanent replacement. The agency announced the change in a statement Tuesday. Officials have not set a timeline for the governor's decision. They have not said if Harrington is a candidate for the formal appointment.

Nocco served as sheriff for 15 years. Former Governor Rick Scott appointed him in 2011. Voters reelected him in 2012, 2016, 2020 and 2024. Before becoming sheriff, he worked as a captain and major at the agency. He also served as a police officer in Philadelphia, Broward County and Fairfax County, Virginia.

Nocco announced his plan to leave in May. He is running against Democrat Jordan Hensley. Voters in District 21 are casting ballots in that race on Tuesday.

The Pasco Sheriff's Office provided the details in an agency statement and Nocco's biography.