St. George, Utah
On Friday, March 27, 2026, Sheriff Nate Brooksby resigned and announced his retirement after over-30-years in law enforcement. “Sheriff Brooksby has been a tremendous asset to our community, and we appreciate his many years of service,” Washington County Attorney Jerry Jaeger said. “The Washington County Attorney’s Office is now ensuring that the legal procedure for appointing a new sheriff is appropriately executed.”
Pursuant to Utah Code § 20A-1-508, the Washington County Commission will give official notice of the vacancy to the county clerk and to the liaison of the Washington County Republican Party. Within thirty days of receiving the official notice, the Washington County Republican Party will submit the name of the individual chosen through the party’s internal bylaws and procedures to fill the midterm Sheriff’s Office vacancy. The Commission must officially appoint that individual as Sheriff within seven days of receiving the party’s nomination.
Because the regularly scheduled election for Washington County Sheriff is already underway, the appointed individual will hold office only until a successor is elected and installed through the usual election process this November.
Undersheriff Barry Golding will be the acting-Sheriff while the Washington County Commission and Washington County Republican Party work through the appointment process. Acting-Sheriff Golding is an Operation Desert Storm-veteran and served as a military police officer. After a 21-year career with the St. George Police Department, he helped found the Investigations Division of the Washington County Attorney’s Office. In 2021, Sheriff Brooksby asked him to serve as undersheriff. Acting-Sheriff Golding accepted the challenge and has served Washington County in that capacity ever since.
“I appreciate Sheriff Brooksby’s leadership and wish him all the best with his hard-earned retirement. He will be greatly missed.” Acting-Sheriff Golding stated. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve during this transitory time, and my priority is to continue to provide the highest level of service to our community.”
Media Contact:
Deputy County Attorney: Courtney Brinkerhoff Sinagra
(435) 301-7100 · courtney.sinagra@washco.utah.gov