MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele held a press conference Thursday afternoon after the resignation of Sheriff David Clarke. 

Abele said that he wishes he had a better relationship with Clarke and that he sees the resignation as a opportunity. 

According to Abele, Milwaukee County Sheriff Inspector Richard Schmidt is now the acting Sheriff until Governor Walker appoints someone. 

Both Abele and the County Clerk said they were not given advanced notice of Clarke's resignation. 

The County Clerk says he received the letter at 3:17 p.m. from the Executive Assistant in the Sheriff's Office. The resignation letter was hand delivered directly to the County Clerk. The Clerk has sent an electronic letter to Governor Walker's office notifying him of the resignation. A hard copy will also be set.

County Executive Abele said he will be in contact with the Governor's office to talk possible candidates.