The executive committee of the Democratic Party of Carbon County agreed to recommend to Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf that Daniel Zeigler of Franklin Township for his nomination to the office of sheriff of Carbon County. The recommendation was unanimous.

The vacancy was created earlier this month when Anthony Harvilla of Tresckow resigned after having served in that capacity for the past six years. Zeigler was sworn in as acting sheriff on Jan. 10.

By law, such vacancies are filled by a gubernatorial nomination, followed by a majority vote of the state Senate.

In the absence of such an appointment, the County Code states the first deputy in the office where the vacancy exists assumes the “acting sheriff” role.

Tina Smith-Henninger, chairwoman of the party, said the party members expressed an overwhelming desire that Zeigler receive the governor’s consideration for the nomination, inasmuch as he has been guiding the office under Harvilla’s watch. He has been acting sheriff since Harvilla’s retirement.

In her letter to Wolf, Harvilla said Zeigler has an impressive resume and list of accomplishments under Sheriff Harvilla’s guidance.

“(Zeigler) has overseen the daily operations of the sheriff’s office for the past 14 months. The members of our committee strongly feel Mr. Zeigler’s educational background (bachelor’s and master’s degrees), his 23-years of work in the criminal justice field and his Act 2 Deputy Sheriff’s Academy Certification make him extremely qualified for the position.”

The party’s recommendation comes, in part, on the recommendation of Harvilla, who told the party members, “It is crystal clear that Dan Zeigler is the right choice to be our candidate (for the governor’s nomination),” Smith-Henninger said.

Her letter said, “We believe his nomination and confirmation will provide a smooth transition in the office and provide Carbon County residents qualified representation for the remainder of Sheriff Harvilla’s term of office.”

Zeigler, a graduate of Panther Valley High School and former resident of Lansford, has more than 20 years of experience in law enforcement.

He worked in Northampton County since 2014 and came to the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office in 2020 as a captain. A few months later, he was named chief deputy by Harvilla.