Seminole County Sheriff Don Eslinger announced he will not seek re-election to another term as sheriff.

“After much thought and consideration, I’ve made the decision to not seek re-election,” said Eslinger on Wednesday.

Eslinger has worked for the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office for 38 years, 25 as sheriff. Eslinger says in his time as sheriff, his office has reduced crime despite the county’s population increasing.  He credits his efforts to build a better relationship with the community.

“Our willingness to cultivate and nurture a good community relationship here, that has made a huge difference in the quality of life here,” said Eslinger.

But Eslinger has also faced tough times during his time as the longest-serving sheriff in Seminole County history. He says it has been very difficult to lose deputies in the line of duty. He also says he’s seen some of the worst of what people can do.

“To witness how inhumane humanity can be at times has been difficult,” said Eslinger.

Sheriff Eslinger was appointed sheriff by Governor Lawton Chiles in 1991, and then elected to the post in 1992.  He was then re-elected five times by the people of Seminole County.

“Don Eslinger is the most popular elected official in Seminole County. He’s legendary there. And upon his retirement, there’s going to be some very big shoes to fill,” said News 13 political analyst Michelle Ertel. 

Eslinger believes his chief deputy, Dennis Lemma, can fill them. Lemma filed his candidacy for sheriff Wednesday morning.

“He really is exceptional at what he does, and to be honest, he’s much more prepared to be sheriff than I was 25 years ago,” said Eslinger.

“Crime in the unincorporated area of the county is at historic lows, we have strong community relationships, and we are policing in more progressive ways than ever before,” Lemma said. “My focus will continue to be on safeguarding our community through creative and collaborative prevention and enforcement efforts.”

Eslinger said he hasn’t figured out what he’ll do after leaving office.

“I have not made any plans.  I’m not sure what the future holds,” said Eslinger.

Eslinger says he’ll stay on as sheriff until his successor takes over in January 2017.

Eslinger also announced Thursday that Undersheriff Steve Harriett will also retire in January 2017. Harriett has been Sheriff Eslinger’s second in command for 24 years.