Pierce County sheriff withdraws his retirement amid the coronavirus epidemic
The longest serving sheriff in Pierce County has rescinded his retirement amid the world health crisis.
Paul Pastor, who planned to step down from his post April 3, said Monday he is withdrawing his retirement “for the foreseeable future.”
“The COVID-19 epidemic has brought tremendous challenges and costs to our nation, to Washington State and to Pierce County. These challenges and costs will require all of us in this agency to step up and do all that we can to resist and reverse the damage,” Pastor said in a statement. “Essential services provided by local law enforcement in general and Pierce County Sheriff’s Department in particular will need to help lead this effort.”
After 19 years at the helm of the 800-person department, Pastor announced his retirement in October and said he planned to leave before his term ends in December 2020.
Although potential candidates don’t have to file paperwork until May, the race appeared to be narrowing to two people.
Pierce County Councilman Doug Richardson declared his candidacy earlier this month, and sheriff’s spokesman Ed Troyer put together an exploratory committee before deciding whether to enter the race.
Pastor, 70, was appointed as sheriff in 2001 and elected to the post in 2008 after Piece County went back to a system of electing its sheriffs.
He ran unopposed in his last two terms.
Dave Morell, vice chair of the Pierce County Council, said he’s thankful the sheriff is willing to stick around and lend leadership during an unprecedented time.
“I know this was a hard decision for Paul to make and know that it was not done lightly,” Morell said.
This story was originally published March 30, 2020 at 3:50 PM.
