After 36 years in law enforcement and the last decade as Wright County’s top cop, Sheriff Gary Miller will retire when his term expires at the end of the year. Miller, who grew up in Annandale and lives in Corinna Township, made the announcement late last week on the Wright County web site. The posting said he has decided not to seek another four-year term in the November election. "I will complete my 36th year in law enforcement this July," Miller said. "Thirty-five of those years have been spent in various roles with the Wright County Sheriff’s Office. "It is now time for me to retire from law enforcement and try my hand at civilian life. I will do so knowing that I am leaving one of the finest law enforcement agencies in this great state." Miller said it’s been "an absolute honor" to serve Wright County citizens as their sheriff for the past 10 years. He is only the third Wright County sheriff in nearly 50 years along with Don Hozempa and Darrell Wolff. The Annandale High School graduate started in law enforcement with the Annandale police department and was hired by Wolff as a part-time deputy in 1975 before becoming full-time in 1978. Miller worked his way up through the department and was appointed sheriff in May 2000 when Hozempa abruptly stepped down in the middle of his term. In the only contested election of his tenure, Miller defeated Lenny Walker, another long-time sheriff’s deputy, in 2002 after a contentious campaign. Miller was unopposed for another term in 2006. Praising sheriff’s department staff, Miller said each "lives their creed of being fair, caring and professional public servants who perform their duties with the highest integrity." "I am totally confident that as a civilian retiree my family and I will be well cared for by these great men and women." The sheriff commended others he’s worked with in township, city and county government. "The intergovernmental cooperation we experience here is truly top-notch, and allows us all to serve the public in the most effective way." He thanked county commissioners "for their assistance in making this organization one of the most efficient and cost effective law enforcement agencies in Minnesota." He also credited citizens in the business, school and faith communities for helping the department attack public safety issues from school and traffic safety to underage consumption and illicit drug use.