After the sheriff drowned in the Missouri River, McKenzie was appointed as the sheriff of Burleigh County, North Dakota. He served as sheriff from 1874 to 1886, being elected five times. During this time he was also a deputy U.S. marshal.
Following the demise of the law enforcement officer in the Missouri River, McKenzie assumed the role of sheriff for Burleigh County, North Dakota. He held this position from 1874 to 1886 and was re-elected five times. At the same time, he worked as a deputy U.S. marshal.