https://www.azfamily.com/paul-penzone-enters-2016-race-against-sheriff-arpaio/article_431fb088-d6c1-55f3-8d2f-8e21b0fba0bb.html
Paul Penzone enters 2016 race against Sheriff Arpaio
Apr 6, 2016
Once again, Paul Penzone is throwing his hat in the ring in the race to become the next Maricopa County sheriff.
He held a news conference Wednesday to officially announce his intention to run.
Penzone spent 21 years as a Phoenix police officer, earning national and international recognition for his leadership in crime prevention, capture of dangerous criminals and dismantling of drug trafficking organizations.
Since his retirement, Penzone has served as a top law-enforcement and security expert, and has dedicated his time to various community organizations.
While on assignment with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Penzone was selected as the national "Task Force Agent of the Year" when he led the federal wiretap investigation that ultimately dismantled a large-scale methamphetamine manufacturing and distributing network in Arizona.
He led the Silent Witness Program for 7 years, most notably during the "Baseline Killer" and "Serial Shooter" investigations, which paralyzed parts of the community with fear.
Following his police career, Penzone became the Vice President of Childhelp, a national non-profit organization that provides prevention education and services for child victims of abuse, neglect and sexual abuse. He was a critical asset in the development of their newest prevention program, "Speak Up, Be Safe", a program designed to protect children from abuse, neglect and sexual abuse.
Paul's interest in law enforcement began at an early age. As a student at Phoenix's Cortez High School, Paul volunteered at the Justice Courts as a bailiff, where he watched the criminal justice system firsthand. He studied Criminal Justice at Glendale Community College and Northern Arizona University before joining the Phoenix Police Department in 1988. Paul went on to serve a decorated 21-year career, beginning as a patrol officer and rising through the ranks to manage the highly successful Silent Witness program, which saw a considerable increase in cases solved and criminals apprehended during his tenure.
On his Facebook page, Penzone released this statement:
“It's time. I'm returning to the sheriff's race to finish what I started. It’s time to elect the most capable, decorated law enforcement professional. It’s time to elect someone with the leadership and experience necessary to renew, restore and refocus the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. It’s time to turn the page and focus on modern policing and community partnerships that make neighborhoods safer.”
Sheriff Arpaio's campaign manager Chad Williams released this statement Wednesday.
"The voters of Maricopa County rejected Paul Penzone once before and they’ll do it again. Right out of the gate, Penzone has chosen to level petty, personal attacks against Sheriff Joe Arpaio. This is not what voters expect out of a campaign for the top law enforcement position in the county. In short, Paul Penzone lacks the character and experience necessary to be Sheriff. "It's time. https://t.co/TXPFvzu2Pe— Paul Penzone (@Penzone4sheriff) April 6, 2016Copyright 2016 KPHO/KTVK (KPHO Broadcasting Corporation). All rights reserved.