Stafford, Va. –– Stafford’s key prosecutor is hanging it up after 40 years.
Daniel M. Chichester has served as the growing county’s Commonwealth Attorney since 1971, but announced Thursday he would not seek an 11th term in office.
Since taking the job Stafford’s Commonwealth Attorney’s office has grown from just him to an organization of 13 attorneys and a 14-member support staff.
“The decision to retire from a job I still love to this day is not easy, but there comes a time for everyone in their professional lives, and my family and I think this is the right time,” Chichester said.
He has served as president of the Virginia Association of Commonwealth’s Attorneys and of the Commonwealth Attorney’s Council.
He’s also earned national honors, and has served as a member of the Board of Governors of the Criminal Law Section of the Virginia State Bar.
Chichester was also appointed to the Parole and Abolition Sentencing Board in 1994 by Gov. George Allen.
He will finish out the year in office, with his last day set for Dec. 31.
