Butler County Sheriff Dennis Rickard will retire at the end of 2009, when his current term ends.

Rickard of Clinton Township said the timing is right to end his tenure.

"I'll be 60 next month," he said. "That's a good reason."

He announced his retirement at this morning's county commissioners meeting.

Rickard, who has been in office for 26 years, has been sheriff longer than any of his predecessors. He took office in 1982.

His immediate predecessors, Robert "Pete" Watson (1966-81) and Earl "Bud" Walker (1950-65), each served 15 years.

Rickard credited county residents for his longevity in office.

"I appreciate it," he said of their support in re-electing him.

Rickard is proud of how the sheriff's office evolved during his tenure.

"We professionalized the office in many ways," he said.

Rickard recalled the average education level of the office's staff had been 10th grade. Now, the education level is about four years of college.

Rickard also is an instructor at Butler County Community College and the University of Pittsburgh. He intends to continue teaching law and law enforcement.

"I would like to," Rickard said. "It's up to the colleges."

Before becoming sheriff, Rickard was a county probation officer.

He and his wife, Elaine, have a son, David, 21, at home. His daughter, Kellie, 24, lives in California.