Sheriff Paul Babeu Named National Sheriff of the Year; Now a Self-Proclaimed "Toughest Sheriff" Like Joe Arpaio

Look out Joe Arpaio, there's, um, a new "toughest sheriff" around here.Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu was named the National Sheriff of the Year by the National Sheriff's Association over the weekend, much thanks to his crusade to rid his county of illegal immigrants.Like Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Babeu is...

By James King

June 20, 2011

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Look out Joe Arpaio, there's, um, a new "toughest sheriff" around here.

Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu was named the National Sheriff of the Year by the National Sheriff's Association over the weekend, much thanks to his crusade to rid his county of illegal immigrants.

Like Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Babeu is now a self-proclaimed tough guy, too.

In a press release from the PCSO, Babeu says his strong stance on illegal immigration has made him "one of America's toughest sheriffs on illegal immigration."

"I'm very humbled by this recognition for the exemplary work of our staff," Babeu says in the statement. "We will not let up, but strive for further agency improvements in an effort to best protect our families."

Arpaio often takes to Twitter to congratulate colleagues for an honor such as the one Babeu won Saturday night, but America's original self-proclaimed "toughest sheriff" hasn't mentioned Babeu's award in Twitter-Town.

Rather, Arpaio's griping about how President Barack Obama now is referring to Vice President Biden as "Sheriff Joe."

"The President continues to call V.P. Biden "Sheriff Joe". Is that a compliment for my work? Although there's only one 'Sheriff Joe'!!!!!," Arpaio "tweets."

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