Halifax County Sheriff Jeff Frazier will be retiring at the end of June and will recommend to county commissioners that his chief deputy, Wes Tripp, be appointed to fill his unexpired term.

Frazier told his staff of his plans today, plans that include full-time work in the car business.

June 30 will bring to an end 16 years and six months of being sheriff in the county and 32 years and nine months total experience. “I don’t know any other reason than it’s time to go. I’m in good health. It’s a good feeling.”

Frazier said he wanted his staff to know first. “I appreciate them being who they are. I would put them up against anybody. It’s a big family.”

Frazier will leave with a year and a half left on his term and believes Tripp is the man for the job. He has already written his letter of recommendation. “I’ve watched Wes grow from a jailer, deputy, detective and chief. I’ve been teaching him the administrative part. “

Frazier said he has always been a car buff and wants to dabble in that business upon retirement.

The sheriff he will leave a strong department. “As I told them (employees) we have a department as strong as any in the country. The citizens should be happy that with budget restraints we have been able to assemble a strong team of ladies and gentlemen.”

Tripp said he was honored and humbled the sheriff wrote a letter of recommendation for him. “I will proceed to go through the proper steps and channels to apply for the appointment of Jeff Frazier’s unexpired term to the county commissioners.”

On the sheriff’s announcement, Tripp said, “Jeff Frazier has been great to this county and its citizens and he will truly be missed.”