BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Whatcom County will have a new sheriff after the election in November.

Sheriff Bill Elfo has announced he will not seek another term and will call it a career.

“After 49 years and eight months at the end of this term, I’m going to retire from law enforcement,” said Elfo. “It’s just been an incredible honor to serve in this profession.”

Elfo began his law enforcement career in Pompano Beach, Florida and later came to the Northwest to serve as Chief of Police for the City of Blaine.

He was appointed interim sheriff in 2003 when Dale Brandland stepped down to serve in the state Senate.

Elfo was elected Whatcom County Sheriff later that year.

He says a highlight of his career was when detectives in his department identified the man who murdered county resident Mandy Stavik in 1989.

“Being able to go up to her mother’s house after the arrest was made and letting her know, it was her 82nd birthday, and saying, we got ’em,” said Elfo.

He says his biggest disappointment from 21 years in office is easy to name.

“When I moved here it was in 1996, and it was a blue-ribbon committee on criminal justice about the urgent need to replace the jail,” said Elfo. “So, that’s going on 27 years ago almost and it still hasn’t been replaced. So, we still have a lot to do.”

Elfo plans to stay involved in that project and others that are important to the community.

He thanks his officers and the citizens of Whatcom County who have supported them during his time as sheriff.