Seneca County Sheriff Timothy Thompson has announced he will retire next month after nearly three decades of service with the Sheriff’s Office.
In a letter addressed to county residents, Thompson said his retirement will take effect June 15. He said the decision came after he was offered a law enforcement opportunity outside Seneca County that he could not turn down for himself or his family.
Thompson said leaving the position was difficult because of his dedication to both the Sheriff’s Office and the community he has served for 27 years in a variety of public safety roles.
The sheriff said serving the residents of Seneca County has been “one of the greatest honors” of his life and thanked the public for its trust and support throughout his career.
During his tenure, Thompson highlighted several accomplishments within the Sheriff’s Office, including maintaining accreditation standards across all divisions, ratifying collective bargaining agreements with both unions, and implementing the Blue Line Wellness program focused on mental health support for law enforcement personnel.
He also pointed to expanded community outreach efforts, including safety meetings, recruitment events, school partnerships, and fraud prevention programs aimed at seniors.
Thompson said the Sheriff’s Office also helped establish Seneca County’s first countywide emergency response team in partnership with local police departments.
Within the county jail, Thompson said the office achieved full staffing levels despite statewide recruitment challenges and launched a program to house female incarcerated individuals, generating additional revenue for the county.
In closing, Thompson said he remains committed to ensuring a smooth transition and expressed confidence in the Sheriff’s Office leadership team moving forward.
