The familiar conduits between the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office and the community will look a little different in 2026.
The SJSO Public Affairs Team is transitioning as Commander George Harrigan moves into a new role within the department. After more than two years overseeing Public Affairs, he has now taken command of Central Region Patrol.
Often seen flanking victims in some of St. Johns County’s most serious criminal cases, Harrigan’s new purview stretches from International Golf Parkway south to County Road 207 and includes downtown St. Augustine, the Castillo de San Marcos, Anastasia Island, and Flagler College.
Harrigan will bring 25 years of law enforcement experience to the post, with a background that includes homicide and sex crimes investigations.
Changes also include ten-year law enforcement veteran Corporal Krissie Padgett’s move into the Office of the Sheriff this month.
She now serves as liaison for Sheriff Robert Hardwick and oversees the Public Affairs and Dignitary Protection units.
Padgett’s responsibilities also include special events planning, and recruitment assistance.
She previously served with the Palatka Police Department, St. Augustine Beach Police Department, and SJSO.
The other key posts on the Public Affairs team remain unchanged. Former First Coast News reporter and Florida Gator Taylor Levesque will continue as Public Information Officer, handling media relations, social media, and agency productions.
Chris O’Rourke, an Emmy Award-winning photojournalist and former News4Jax shooter, is handling video production and content creation, while Deputy Joeff Alvarez oversees studio operations.
