PRINCE EDWARD – County Sheriff Travis D. Harris announced “with mixed emotions” in a March 3 press release that he will retire at the end of the year.

“I will miss all of the employees I have appointed to help accomplish the tasks of this office,” Harris wrote. “They have truly made it worthwhile for me to hold such an honorable position. They have worked hard, and I wish them well for all of their future endeavors. My next goal in life is to enjoy more time with my family and grandchildren who have been patiently waiting for this year. To the citizens of Prince Edward, I continue to wish you the best and thank you as good citizens for all your support.”

Sheriff Harris, first elected in November of 1999, won re-election in 2003 and in 2007.

Harris has lived in Prince Edward County most of his life and is a graduate of R. R. Moton High School. While working in the County Sheriff's Office, he worked as deputy sheriff, sergeant and captain. Harris holds associate degrees in police science and corrections, has had training in narcotics investigations, served in the Army (including two years of active duty) and the National Guard for eight years of inactive duty.

“As a long-standing employee of Prince Edward County, I have served rigorously and faithfully through the ranks of the sheriff's office,” he states in the press release. “I started my career with Prince Edward on January 1, 1976, where I was first appointed as a Deputy Sheriff. Through the years I have successfully been promoted through the ranks serving as Sergeant, Chief Deputy, and finally as Sheriff since 2000.”

He also cited, “As your faithful Sheriff, I have worked diligently to advance the department in modern training efforts, technology, and equipment to assist the hard-working employees of this department with the ability to protect and serve in a more efficient manner. I have also implemented the Accreditation process to support structure and reduce the risk of liability; setting forth sound policies and procedures along with professional practices in Law Enforcement. Accreditation itself is a very intensive process that forced us to use self-evaluation of how we conduct business and serve the citizens of Prince Edward County. I am proud to announce that at this point, we are two-thirds complete with this phase. I have also joined with other surrounding localities for inter-operability which allows us to use technical applications and equipment in times of major crisis and disaster, again, offering better planning, responses, and actions for events of this nature.”

Voters will choose their next sheriff in the November general election.