Kitsap County Sheriff Gary Simpson announced late last month in an internal letter to staff and county commissioners that he will retire from the department effective midnight June 30.

Simpson has not made a public announcement of his intentions. The sheriff is serving his second term.

In the letter dated May 21, Simpson said he was stepping aside after 30 years as a commissioned deputy and felt it was “time to say ‘goodbye.’

“I have enjoyed a great many interesting, challenging and rewarding experiences throughout my career. But the reality is that it’s time for me to step aside and trust others to carry on the mission and for you to experience your dreams, aspirations and future opportunities.”

The county commissioners will select a replacement for Simpson, who ran for office as a Democrat.