Recently friends and community leaders encouraged me to run for a fourth term to maintain the positive momentum of the sheriff’s department during these troubling economic times. I was determined to delay making any decision about my future until I could work with the CEO and Board of Supervisors to secure a budget that would protect our current deputy sheriffs from layoffs as we adjusted to shrinking revenues.

I realize that there is never a convenient time to leave a profession and people you love, but I have now made my decision and can respond to the patient reporters who are following the upcoming election. I will not run for re-election in the June 2010 primary, but instead will recommend that voters select Chief Deputy Dennis Carpenter to be your next sheriff.

I have been honored to serve with the Ventura County Sheriff’s department for 36 years, 11 of them as your Sheriff. This career has allowed me to work with some of the most talented, and dedicated men and women that can be found anywhere. We have a resilient organization populated by dedicated, ethical deputies and civilian staff. Our leaders and team members are second to none. I am confident that the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department will continue to be one of the best law enforcement agencies in California, and that our community will remain one of the safest regions in the country.

I am tremendously proud of the accomplishments made by this department during my tenure, but especially of the incredible team of employees we have been able to assemble around the values of honesty, courage, compassion, service, trustworthiness, and teamwork. I am grateful to the public safety and governmental leaders who have been my partners, as well as the supportive residents of Ventura County. Most importantly, I thank God for the opportunity to serve as your sheriff.

I recently read that a leader is not judged primarily by what he does, but by the quality of service provided of those he is fortunate to lead. By that standard I can look forward to finishing my current term of office with a great deal of pride and satisfaction. In the future, I look forward to spending more time with my family and friends. I am also looking forward to exploring new avenues of service to my community.