DeKalb County, Ala., Sheriff Jimmy HarrisDeKalb County, Ala., Sheriff Jimmy Harris won't seek a fourth term, bringing to a close an almost-three decade career in law enforcement.
Harris made the announcement this afternoon through a statement.
"It is my singular honor to serve the citizens of DeKalb County," Harris said. "While much has been accomplished by our deputies, clerks and corrections officers, much more remains to be done. I cannot thank each and every deputy, clerk and correction officer enough. They have made this job a joy. I look forward to continuing to serve our citizens for the remainder of my term."
Harris still has more than a year in office with his term coming to an end in January 2019. The sheriff did not say in the statement what he plans to do next.
Harris is credited with implementing the R-U- OK program, Project LifeSaver, Yellow Dot, Community Watch meetings, and Run Hide Fight. He started teaching a gun safety program Eddie Eagle to DeKalb County Schools grades pre-K through fourth grade. Harris also started teaching a gun safety program in DeKalb schools for pre-K through fourth grade, according to the statement.
After a new gun law was enacted, Sheriff Harris began a basic handgun shooter course instructing citizens how to handle and manage a gun, officials said.
Harris was a deputy lieutenant in the department in 1995 and became captain by 2004, during which time he organized the department's mounted patrol. Harris was first elected sheriff in 2006.
The statement also contained a long list of other task forces, programs and affiliations with other federal law enforcement agencies.
Harris has a wife, Sabrina, two children, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Contact staff writer Ben Benton at bbenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6569. Follow him on Twitter @BenBenton.