Senior leaders assume new roles after Pat Ivey sworn in as Jacksonville sheriff

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — New Sheriff, new administration.

Jacksonville’s newly-appointed sheriff is making personnel changes as part of the transition to a new administration.

Governor DeSantis appointed Pat Ivey to fulfill the remainder of Mike Williams’ term after it was discovered the former sheriff no longer lived in Duval County, a violation of the city charter.

“Pat is very, very highly regarded, recommended. I think he’s going to... have respect from people from day one and I think he’ll be able to continue the work that the department’s doing without having major interruptions,” DeSantis said last week.

Ivey will remain in the role until a special election is held this fall. The first election will be held on the same day as the upcoming Primary Election on August 23. If no candidate secures 50% of the vote, a runoff election will be held on November 8, the same day as the General Election.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office announced the following changes Monday:

Nick Burgos will step into Ivey’s former role as Undersheriff. According to JSO, Burgos served in the United States Navy prior to joining the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in 1996. He has been with the agency for 25 years and graduated from the Senior Management Institute for Police.

Joe Cowan will replace Burgos as Director of Patrol & Enforcement, JSO’s third-highest position. He reportedly has over 25 years of service to the agency and the citizens of Jacksonville. Cowan also serves the country as a Deputy Commanding General in the United States Army Reserves. He has served in the Army Reserves for more than 35 years.

Kevin Goff will assume the role of Chief of Patrol. At that time, Scott Dingee who is currently serving as the Chief of the Professional Standards Division will take over as the Chief of the Human Resources Division. Scott Dingee will take over as the Chief of the Human Resources Division.

Paul Restivo is being appointed to Chief and will oversee the Professional Standards Division. Restivo is a 28-year veteran of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

Jimmy Ricks, who currently serves as the Police Lieutenant over the Special Events Unit, will be appointed to Assistant Chief and will oversee the Community Engagement Section. Ricks has 25 years of service with the agency.

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