Jeff Harrington is the permanent sheriff of Pasco County.

Gov. Ron DeSantis made the appointment on Wednesday, Nov. 4, one day after Harrington stepped into the role on an interim basis, FOX 13 Tampa Bay reported. The move ends a brief leadership gap at the Pasco Sheriff's Office that opened when former Sheriff Chris Nocco resigned.

How the opening happened

Nocco resigned on the eve of Election Day to run for the District 21 state Senate seat. He won that race after 15 years leading the Pasco Sheriff's Office, according to FOX 13.

After Nocco stepped down, the chief judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit appointed Harrington as interim sheriff on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Harrington had been serving as Nocco's chief of staff before the judicial appointment took effect.

DeSantis then elevated him to permanent sheriff the following day.

Who is Jeff Harrington?

Harrington brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience to the job, according to the Pasco Sheriff's Office. That career includes more than 14 years of service within the Pasco Sheriff's Office, where he most recently served as chief of staff under Nocco.

The Pasco Sheriff's Office also announced the permanent appointment on its official X account on Nov. 4.

What comes next

Harrington is scheduled to hold a news conference at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5, to address the community and outline plans for the agency. The Pasco Sheriff's Office said the briefing will be livestreamed on its Facebook page.

It will be his first public address since taking office as permanent sheriff.