Updated: Stafford Sheriff Charles Jett to retire

Updated: Sheriff Charles Jett released this statement about his upcoming retirement: 

I am taking this opportunity to announce that after 37 years of service to Stafford County, in the most rewarding career I could have imagined, I have decided to retire at the end of my term in December of this year.

The highlight of my career has been the opportunity to work with some of the most selfless, courageous and dedicated men and women anywhere.  I am proud of the work that we have accomplished as a team and equally proud of the service that that team has provided to the citizens of Stafford County.  I feel confident that the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office will continue its path of excellence.

As Sheriff of Stafford County I have been the recipient of many accolades on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office, knowing full well that the credit belongs to the outstanding professionals that I have been honored to work with each and every day.  It is their commitment to the mission and core values of this department that have helped us achieve the high standards that our community expects and deserves.

It has been my high honor to serve the citizens of Stafford County for 37 years.  The opportunity to work for and assist the fine people of Stafford County has been a blessing and I will always be grateful for the support that I have received over the years from the community.

Original post

Stafford County Sheriff Charles Jett is expected to announce his retirement formally through the Sheriff’s Department tomorrow, sources say.

Sources told Stafford Local Jett made the announcement Monday night at meeting of Republicans in Stafford County.

Jett is up for re-election this year. It is not clear if the Sheriff’s Department will appoint a successor or if Jett will step down in when his term ends in November .

 Major David Decatur, the Chief Deputy for the Stafford Sheriff’s Department, is second in command at the department and is rumored to be Jett’s chosen successor.

Jett has served as sheriff since 2000. Jett has worked in law enforcement for 30 years at the Stafford Sherriff’s Department, beginning when he was just 19.

Jett is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in the 187th Session. He has held several leadership positions, including Chairman of the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission, the Chairman of the Criminal Justice Services Board and State Chair of Special Olympics Virginia.

Additionally, he has served on several committees, including the National Sheriffs’ Association Traffic Safety Committee, the Virginia Law Enforcement Executive Advisory Committee on Crime Prevention, the Virginia Commonwealth University Public Safety Institute Inaugural Member, and the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association.

In the Sheriff’s Department, Jett has held several positions, including Field Operations and Criminal Investigations work. During his career, he worked as a Field Operations Commander before being elected as Sheriff.