PHOENIX – The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors is considering the appointment of the next Maricopa County Sheriff. Board members formally accepted the resignation of Sheriff Paul Penzone on Wednesday.His last day is January 12th^th, 2024. Chief Deputy Sheriff Russ Skinner will fill the role until appointed by the board. ARS 11-443.

“I would like to thank Sheriff Penzone for going above and beyond to keep the residents of Maricopa County safe. I especially appreciate his cooperation on election-related security issues,” said District 1. Chairman Jack Sellers said.

By state law, candidates for sheriff must be a resident of Maricopa County and belong to the same political party as the outgoing sheriff, in this case a Democrat.

Applicants should send a letter of interest along with their resume to the Office of the Clerk of Supervisors, 301 W. Jefferson St., 10.^th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85003 or email ClerkBoard@maricopa.gov. All documents filed with the Clerk's Office become public records. Applicants are subject to a background check.

Applications will be accepted until January 19th^th2024 at 5 p.m.

The board's choice will fill the vacancy until the November election, when Maricopa County residents will elect a new sheriff.