Sheriff planning to retire at end of 2012

After a 20-year career with the Jefferson County Sheriff?s Office, sheriff Jerry Droz will retire at the end of the year.

?I?ve always enjoyed law enforcement,? Droz said. ?I get up and enjoy coming to work every day.?

He?s chosen not to seek re-election because he will turn 65 a few months after his term ends. Law enforcement officials, with the exception of the sheriff, must retire at 65 ? Droz feels it would be a ?slap in the face? to others in his profession if he didn?t adhere to the same standards.

With retirement still a year away, he has no plans yet for his time.

Droz spent seven years in the Jefferson County Police Reserves and 10 years with the Fairfield Police Department before joining the sheriff?s office.