Tyrrell County Sheriff Darryl Liverman on Feb.19 announced his retirement.

In a letter to “Tyrrell County Citizens” the sheriff wrote that he had spent “the last several months in much prayer, careful thought, consideration and discussion with my family. As a result, I have decided to retire as Tyrrell County Sheriff December 1, 2018.

“When I retire I will have almost 39 years of total service working in law enforcement and corrections.

“I want to thank you for your support. It has been an honor and privilege to serve as your Sheriff.”

Sheriff Liverman addressed a longer but similar letter to the county board of commissioners, thanking “the board for your support during my service as Tyrrell County Sheriff.

“I especially want to thank David Clegg, Tyrrell County Manager/County Attorney for his support of me and the Office of Sheriff. He has made my job as Sheriff much less stressful. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of Tyrrell County as Sheriff.”

Liverman was a Deputy Sheriff in Tyrrell County 1980-1985, Correctional Officer NC Department of Corrections 1985-1990, Tyrrell County Sheriff December 1990-February 1997, Correctional Sergeant, NC Department of Corrections February 1997-July 2006, and Tyrrell County Sheriff July 2006 to the present time.

Three Democrats have paid the fee to run for the office of sheriff in the May 8 primary election: Joey Elliott, Nathan McPeak, and Kevin Sawyer. The candidate filing period ends at noon on Feb. 28.