OGDEN — Brad Slater has decided 14 years as Weber County sheriff is enough.
Come July, he'll mark his 30th year with the Weber County Sheriff's Office and while he has nothing but good things to say about his post, he's decided not to run for re-election.
Slater feels like the department is planning to move forward and implement changes that will take years, and he says those years should be ushered in by someone new.
"There are things coming down the road, much like when I came in, some strategic decisions, plans that need to be put in place that require a person … who will be in there for a while," he said. "It took us six to eight years for the things coming down the road to get where we are today. I had to think, 'Do I want to face these challenges or get a new sheriff in here?' "
And he said he was confident in choosing the latter. Though he will remain as sheriff until January of 2011, he made the decision now to allow those interested in the position the time they will need to plan and prepare for the campaign ahead.
"The political process will get under way pretty quick," he said. "I have no intention then of doing anything but completing my term of office. Thirty years in this business is long enough for anybody."
Slater was recruited into law enforcement while he was attending Weber State University. He first went to work with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office in Kemmerer, Wyo., before returning to his home in Weber County. A native of Slaterville, "Slater from Slaterville," he lives within 600 feet of the home he grew up in, where his parents still reside.
He's had the opportunity to work "just about every job in the sheriff's office" and speaks highly of his staff and those he's been able to work with.
"For the most part, the job's been pretty easy," he said. "There were sad moments, tragic moments and opportunities for growth and development. I met people I probably wouldn't have met that have blessed my life. It's been very worthwhile."
Slater, who will be 53 when he retires, said he won't just be "put out to pasture," but plans to find another job "even if it's milking cows down the road," he joked.
In his retirement memo, he offered his support and enthusiasm for the successor that will follow him.
"I can assure you it will be an interesting time of your career," he wrote. "Whatever way the political winds blow, I am excited for the eventual outcome of the political process and election and who will become the 28th sheriff of Weber County."
Ultimately, he looked back on his tenure with fondness.
"It's been a ride and it's been a darn good one," he said.
e-mail: emorgan@desnews.com