And the peasants rejoice. His statement:

I will not seek election to a fifth term as Sheriff of Orange County. I did not arrive at this decision lightly or without a great deal of personal introspection.

In recent weeks I have spent considerable time discussing this issue with my family. It became painfully obvious that during the past 15 years I have virtually immersed myself in the duties and responsibilities of the enormous task providing quality law enforcement services to the citizens who have entrusted me their safety and security… 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

As I look back on my years of service in the public sector, particularly the years I have served as Sheriff, I am proud of my accomplishments. None of which would have been achieved without the grace of God, my loving family, the men and women who serve within this organization, and the citizens who never wavered in their continued support to me and the Office of the Sheriff.

I believe this agency has become and continues to be one of America’s premier law enforcement operations. We lead the nation for Homeland Security and Emergency Management. We proved our abilities during the storms of 2004 and 2005. We are one of the most highly trained and best-equipped law enforcement entities in the country. We have consolidated our operations into one first class central complex, we have streamlined our management team, and we have brought millions of dollars of grant money into the county. We have and will continue to support and do everything possible in the legislative realm to facilitate the passage of several laws such as the red light running bill and faux firearms act for the enhancement of public safety and other legislation such as the Mike Callin and Adam Pierce laws for the peace of mind for those of you on the streets doing a most difficult and dangerous job.

I am looking forward to enjoying more time with my family and getting back to being a husband and father to the wife, sons, and daughters who have made tremendous sacrifices during the past 15 years. But for the next 11 months there is still much to be done. I intend to finish what I have started before saying farewell to the job I am committed to and love. I wish I could personally thank every member of the community for their support of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Thank you all.

It’s about time. Orange County needs some change and almost anyone would be better than Beary.

Currently there are four candidates who say they will run:

• Jerry Demings, former Orlando police chief – Democrat
• Malone Stewart, retired Undersheriff – Democrat
• Edgewood Police Chief John Tegg – Republican
• Bill Armstrong, a longtime law official – Republican