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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Friday, June 20, 2025

There's a New Sheriff in Town

At their June 17 meeting, Northampton County Council voted unanimously to confirm the appointment of Chris Zieger as Sheriff. He was appointed to the position by Executive Lamont McClure, but under the Home Rule Charter, County Council must consent. He comes in at pay grade Group V, Step 4-D, salary $111,868.

McClure told Council the day before that "[t]here is no person more ready to be Sheriff of Northampton County than Chris Zieger is. He's done an amazing job as Acting Sheriff since Sheriff Johnston retired. ... There truly is no one more qualified to lead this department than Chris."

Northampton County has had a Sheriff since the county was first established in 1752. Deputy Nathan Ogden was the first law enforcement officer killed in the Commonwealth. He was shot in 1771 when attempting to arrest a fugitive during the Pennamite-Yankee War.

The Sheriff's office is charged with providing physical security for the courts; service of civil filings; fugitive location and arrests; administration of monthly Sheriff Sales; and prisoner transport.

Zieger, a 1991 graduate of Muhlenberg College, has been employed with the Sheriff's department since 1994. He started as a Deputy and worked his way up through the ranks to become the Chief Deputy in 2010. 

Northampton and Luzerne are the only Pennsylvania counties that appoint the Sheriff. In other counties, the office is an elected position. 

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Sheriff Ziegler!

Anonymous said...

Good dude. His Dad Rudy was a solid guy too. Very astute attorney.

Anonymous said...

Where does he stand on those illegals or is he another look away boy?

Anonymous said...

Northampton need a lot of new people.

Anonymous said...

He will be a great sheriff! Congratulations, Chris!

Anonymous said...

This is the guy who stood by as his supervisors and their select cohorts conducted a ‘brain dump’ to rid the place of any quality, educated, middle-class individuals.

Anonymous said...

It appears there are serious concerns about the leadership and culture within the Sheriff department at Northampton, specifically regarding a group referred to as "Magnum Force bbc." There are allegations that these individuals, described as former CO's/Juvenile officers, are mismanaging the department. A significant concern raised is the presence of a homophobic/transphobic drawing displayed in the muster room for nearly two weeks. This is particularly troubling as it reportedly remained visible during roll calls led by Lieutenants and Sergeants, suggesting a lack of oversight or accountability. Very troubling Department.

Anonymous said...

Gasp! Lol.

Anonymous said...

If so qualified why were others chosen over him in the past? Not a knock on Sheriff Zeigler at all.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Chris Zeigler, don't get too comfortable, your retirement is immenet

Anonymous said...

New political appointment Chris Zeigler is is a big donor to McClure's failing Congressional bid (Campaign Finance Report). Takes a true swamp creature to last 30+ years in Northampton County, the only county that doesn't elect a Sheriff.

Anonymous said...

In Norco the Sheriff serves at the pleasure of the County Executive. He had job security in career service.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Chris. I agree with Bernie. Annie P. and I wish you well. You are an asset to the County and I know you have many good people behind you and rooting for you. You are going to be a great Sheriff.

Anonymous said...

3:07- sounds like your a former deputy...as in Mike Spinozzi, a troublemaker who cried to HR when a Supervisor told you to do your job...

Anonymous said...

Congrats Chris. Good Luck!

Bill Hillanbrand said...

Chris and I were employed at the Sheriff's Department at the same time. His temperament and experience is unquestioned. I cannot think of a person more deserving and more qualified to lead the Department forward. Good luck Chris!