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Sheriff Paul Penzone stepping down for job with major insurance carrier

Penzone will be working with Blue Cross Blue Shield after seven years as Maricopa County sheriff.

PHOENIX — Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone will soon give up his badge to take a job outside of law enforcement.

Penzone told KTAR News that he has taken a position with Blue Cross Blue Shield and will work in community relations.

Penzone announced in October that he would step down from his position in early 2024 to "pursue other opportunities." 

"The job itself is a privilege. I'm very thankful I've had this opportunity," Penzone said.

RELATED: Sheriff Paul Penzone won't pursue a third term

Penzone, a Democrat, defeated Republican Joe Arpaio in the 2016 race for sheriff by a wide margin and was re-elected in 2020. 

Upon taking office, Penzone promised to reverse the culture of Arpaio's headline-grabbing tactics and restore trust between MCSO and the community.

Penzone inherited the consequences that resulted after MCSO was found in 2013 to have racially profiled Latinos during Arpaio’s immigration patrols. That verdict led to two court overhauls that stripped some of the agency's autonomy over its internal affairs investigations.

RELATED: Sheriff Paul Penzone says he inherited a $300 million legal burden from Joe Arpaio. Taxpayers have to foot the bill.

Editor's note: The above video is from a previous broadcast.

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