By AMY JONES / Associate Editor

COLUMBIANA — Shelby County Sheriff Chris Curry, who has served as sheriff for three terms, will not seek a fourth term.

Curry made his announcement in a press release Oct. 10 after informing his staff and employees of his decision on Oct. 9.

“After many months of thoughtful and prayerful consideration I have made the decision to not seek re-election for a fourth term as sheriff. This current term does not end until January 2015, and much work remains to be done as we continue to protect the lives and property of our citizens and visitors,” Curry wrote in the statement.

When Curry leaves office, he will have amassed 35 years of service in Shelby County. Under his leadership, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has received federal funding for a countywide drug task force, set up municipal law enforcement contracts, became the first local law enforcement agency in Alabama to use electronic traffic citations and electronic traffic accident reporting, launched its first website, developed D.A.R.E. and school resource officer programs, placed deputies within federal task forces and implemented a mobile data terminal program making real-time information available to every deputy, in addition to conducting “countless” criminal investigations, according to the press release.

Curry said he’s ready to move on and allow someone else to lead the sheriff’s office.

“A large part of being a leader is knowing when to move on and allow others the opportunity to fill the role with fresh ideas and energy. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is full of highly competent and capable individuals who will do an extraordinary job and maintain the high standards we have established throughout the years,” Curry said. “I firmly believe in what we do and how we do it, but it is time I step aside and allow someone else the honor of leading the agency into the future.”