Rick Shaffer

Butler County Prison Warden Rick Shaffer is retiring in July.

Shaffer, 54, of Cranberry Township told the county prison board Tuesday that July 10 is his tentative departure date.

Shaffer said in an interview he decided to make his exit after working at the prison for nearly 26 years.

“It’s just time,” he said.

Shaffer was hired as a corrections officer in March 1989 and worked his way up the ranks.

He was named warden at the end of 2011 to succeed Rich Gigliotti, who had been warden since 1988.

Shaffer said he will miss the prison staff.

“The people you see every day,” he said.

However, Shaffer said he wouldn’t miss getting up early every day and being constantly on-call.

“It’s the overall stress I won’t miss,” he said.

Even when Shaffer recently was in Jamaica to attend a wedding, he was checking his e-mails.

Shaffer said he doesn’t take his duty lightly because he’s responsible for 120 corrections officers and more than 350 inmates.

Aside from visiting his niece in Los Angeles. Shaffer has no postretirement plans.

County Commissioner Dale Pinkerton, prison board chairman, praised Shaffer in an interview.

“I think he’s done a wonderful job,” Pinkerton said.

He said Shaffer always cooperated with him and kept him informed.

Pinkerton said Shaffer also has earned recognition from his staff.

“He’s well-respected by his employees,” Pinkerton said.

Sheriff Mike Slupe, board vice chairman, also lauded Shaffer’s efforts.

“In the few years you’ve been warden, you’ve done a fine job,” Slupe said during the meeting.

The prison board decided to start the selection process for a new warden now so the post could be filled before Shaffer leaves.