Maricopa County sheriffs through the years

Retired Phoenix police Sgt. Paul Penzone went up against Joe Arpaio in the 2012 sheriff's race and again in 2016. Penzone beat Arpaio by more than 10 percentage points

Joe Arpaio was criticized for using his office for unprofessional activities, which have resulted in numerous lawsuits that costs taxpayers $142 million in legal expenses, settlements and court awards. America's Toughest Sheriff" was dethroned in the 2016 election by Paul Penzone, and ended his 24 years in office, the longest run of any sheriff in Maricopa county.

Thomas Agnos held office from 1989-92 and brought a higher standard of law enforcement ethics to the office.

From 1985-1988 Richard Godbehere held office. During his time in office he made a Planning and Research division as well as expanded communications, such as the 9-1-1 system.

Jerry Hill took office from 1977-84 and established psychiatric units in jails, as well as built the Towers Jail and the Bell/Dysart Substation and jail.

Paul Blubaum served in office from 1973-76 and established the Sun City Posse.

John Mummert made many changes, such as starting contract law enforcement services with towns.

At 22.5 years, Luther C. "Cal" Boies was the longest sheriff to hold office before Arpaio. His achievements span from expanding posses in number and function, to using bloodhounds for searching.

Ernest W. “Goldie” Roach founded the Sheriff’s Peace Officers Police Training School, and after initially becoming deputy in 1930 he had served in every department by the time he was sheriff.

After her husband died, Jewel Jordan (right), was elected to finish his term in 1944. She has been the only woman to be sheriff in Maricopa County.

Lon Jordan accomplishments were initiating the Maricopa Mounted Posse and sponsoring the first FBI training school in the valley.

Roy Merrill's time in office was brief, from just 1937-38, since he was acquitted for bribery and conspiracy due to countywide gambling and political corruption charges.

Serving from 1931-36, the Winnie Ruth Judd case was the major media case during James McFadden's time in office, as well as the depression era labor riots.

From 1929-1930, Charles Wright served. In this years time, he opened a new jail on top of the First Avenue Courthouse.

Serving from 1925-26, Andrew Moore followed in his father's footsteps when he became Sheriff, as his father was the Sheriff of Yavapai County.

Jerry Sullivan first served from 1923-24, before losing his bid for reelection the following term. He was however elected the following year for 1926-27 term.

From 1919-22 John Montgomery served as Sheriff and faced a rise in overall workload due to prohibition at the time.

The most remembered incident during William Henry Wilky's term in office, from 1917 to 1918, was the last recorded lynching in Arizona.

Jefferson Davis Adams was the first Maricopa County Sheriff, serving three terms from 1912-16 as well as finishing Jerry Sullivan's term after his death.

Although he is most remembered for is 56 years in Congress, Carl Hayden served as the last territorial sheriff from 1907-12.

William Cunningham had a short time as Sheriff, just two weeks, as he finished out John Walkers term.

Best known for a more depressing term, John Elliot Walker committed suicide with just two weeks left of his term running from 1905-06. This was a result of him not gaining his bid for reelection, due to being associated with a deputy involved scandal.

Serving from 1903-04, William Cook promoted many social and education causes

Serving from 1901-02, Samuel Stout was also a member of the Salt River Water Users Association.

From 1899-1900 David Murray served as sheriff. He also served two terms as county treasurer, and was a rancher and businessman.

In 1893 Maricopa County had a jail overcrowding problem, and this was James Murphy's biggest task when he took office from 1893-94.

Before becoming sheriff from 1891-92, John Montgomery was county supervisor.

William Thomas Grey is most remembered for his supervision of Maricopa County’s search and rescue efforts after the 1890 collapse of the Walnut Grove Dam.

Before becoming Sheriff in Maricopa county from 1887-88, Andrew Halbert was a supervisor in Kern County, California and in Maricopa County.

Lindely Orme served four terms as a Maricopa County Sheriff, with ten years in between his second and third terms.

George Mowry was the first sheriff to serve two consecutive terms.

Thomas Hayes was the first sheriff to complete his complete elected two-year term. During this time he also served as an assessor and tax collector.

Known for his harsh form of justice, Thomas Warden served from 1871-72.

Thomas Barnum was the first elected sheriff, despite him only being in office from May 1871 to November 1871.