After serving over five decades in law enforcement, Sheriff Bill Gore announces he will be retiring from his position.
The long-serving Sheriff issued a statement on Wednesday afternoon, expressing his gratitude for the experiences he lived as a law enforcement official for 51 years.
“Serving as your Sheriff for the last 12 years has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my law enforcement career. I will always be grateful to the residents of this county for their continued confidence and support during my tenure. It has also been my honor to have had the daily support from the extraordinary men and women of this department who sacrifice every day for the citizens of San Diego County." said Sheriff Bill Gore.
Gore was appointed to his position as Sheriff in 2009, marking 13 years of serving as San Diego County Sheriff as he officially retires on February 3.
This comes nearly 7 months after Gore announced that he will not seek re-election as Sheriff for a fourth term.
Sheriff Gore also credited his wife for the unconditional support he has received from her throughout his law enforcement career.
“Likewise, my wife has made many sacrifices in support of my career, including nine moves around the country and the challenges involved in three county-wide elections. In retirement, I will have the opportunity to give my full attention and support to her as she has done for me during our 43 years of marriage," Gore said.
As for the passing of the torch, Undersheriff Kelly Martinez said Wednesday that she will not be seeking to be appointed when Gore's position opens up on February 3, because she prefers to compete in a fair race for County Sheriff.
“The people of San Diego deserve a fair race for Sheriff as well as an appointment process they can trust,” Martinez said Wednesday. “I’ll work hard to earn the support of San Diego County voters who want a Sheriff with experience and commitment to public safety," Martinez added.
