“Officer Nanos has all the potentials and abilities to do his work. He needs to mature and be a responsible person,” Messer wrote on March 20, 1984.

Cool does not dispute the findings of El Paso’s disciplinary review board that recommended Nanos’ termination, but instead emphasizes that boards provide recommendations that can be approved, modified or denied. The final decision was left to the police chief.

“Rather, the Chief proposed a three-day suspension and Sheriff Nanos resigned rather than serve the suspension,” Cool wrote.

News stories published by The Arizona Republic about Nanos’ work history in El Paso prompted the Pima County Board of Supervisors to request a sworn statement from Nanos addressing his work history and the suspension of two employees during the 2024 election.

After one supervisor’s attempt to remove him from office failed, the remaining board members voted earlier this week to refer perjury allegations to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. Those allegations stem from a deposition Nanos gave in a lawsuit filed by one of those suspended employees, Sgt. Aaron Cross, a union leader in the department.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox!