First Watch Interview: What’s Next for Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb?

Have you seen the viral YouTube series “Fridays with Frank”? They created national buzz, won awards, and helped put Pinal County, Arizona, on the map. Sheriff Lamb and his team at the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office were the engine behind the videos. But that’s only part of the story.

Sheriff Mark Lamb stopped by Cochise County’s First Watch with Sheriff Mark Dannels for a wide‑ranging interview with host Grady Butler. The interview was a relaxed but revealing look at life after the badge.

Lamb reflected on where he’s been and where he’s headed. “It’s always good to see you guys down here,” he said, clearly at ease as he shared stories from his career and beyond.

Read More: How to Avoid Starring on Fridays with Frank in Arizona

Retirement and Life After the Badge

Lamb explained that his retirement as Pinal County Sheriff wasn’t an ending, but a transition. “The border was the number one issue, and I realized it had to be handled at a national level,” he said.

Stepping away from the sheriff’s office gave him the space to speak openly and pursue broader goals while staying connected to public safety issues that matter to him.

Politics and Public Service

During the interview, Lamb discussed his 2024 run for U.S. Senate and his current campaign for U.S. Congress. His motivation, he says, remains the same. “I still think the border is an issue, and we have a lot to fix at the federal level,” he told Dannels. In his bid for the Senate seat, he was defeated in the primary by Kari Lake.

Lamb is grateful for the lessons he learned, and described the experience as “a blessing in disguise” that pushed him toward the next opportunity.

Related: First Watch Radio Program Hosted by Sheriff Mark Dannels

Viral Videos and Emmy Wins

Lamb also looked back at the media success that made his sheriff’s office nationally recognizable. From the extremely popular “Fridays with Frank” to the famous left‑lane, slow-poke driving videos, his team combined humor with education.

Those efforts earned two Emmy Awards. “Everybody hates left‑lane campers,” Lamb joked, noting how relatable the message was to propel the safety videos to go viral.

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Television and What’s Next

Lamb talked about his experiences on A&E Networks' Live PD and  60 Days In, including the season that later became a streaming hit. 60 Days In is still available on Hulu.

Today, he continues telling law‑enforcement stories on YouTube as @RealAmericanSheriff, while also building a family ranch project. Retirement hasn’t slowed Mark Lamb; it’s just given him a bigger platform.

Check out the top 3 most viral videos from Fridays with Frank via YouTube @PinalCountySheriffsOffice