The Genesee County Sheriff will make this year his last year. Gary Maha told WXXI he will end his 49-year career in law enforcement.
This is his 28th year as Sheriff. He's been in office for seven four year terms after being appointed by the governor in 1988.
What will he miss the most? "Probably the people, some of the people. I'm on a number of state committees and national committees, I'll miss going to them and going to conferences.”
Maha is the longest-serving sheriff in the state and says he knows it's time to go. He hopes his undersheriff, William Sheron, Jr., will succeed him.
“We're the only local, accredited agency in the county and I take pride in that. We have a very professional organization there and I'd like to see that continue."
Maha told WXXI he never aspired to be sheriff. He had his 20 years and could have retired as chief deputy, but the sheriff and undersheriff left at the same time and he was recruited. Democrat Mario Cuomo selected him (a Republican) on the recommendation of former Sheriff Doug Call, who wrote a letter of support to the governor.
It's time for somebody else to take over the reins, and I fully endorse my undersheriff Bill Sheron, Jr., for that. Gary Maha, Genesee County Sheriff
Over the years, technology has changed the job of sheriff. "Computers in the cars, the different type of computer devices that are available to law enforcement has really changed the way law enforcement does its job,” said Maha.
There are a lot of demands on a county sheriff.
"It's not that you don't enjoy the job. But there's more parts of the job you don't enjoy, you know what I mean?"
Such as long days in the office beginning at 7 am until 5 pm or later. What is Maha’s goal before retiring?
"We've been shorthanded the last couple of years and I'd just like to see us finally get up to full strength. Just continue providing professional law enforcement service to our community."
As for the future?
"I have no plans at this particular time. I just want to relax and enjoy myself for a while. We're not planning on moving. We're planning on staying here in Genesee County and just takin' it easy."
After 49 years, he's probably earned a break.
