Sheriff announces retirement

Butte County Sheriff Jerry Smith surprised many attending the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 10, by announcing that he will not seek re-election next year.

The sheriff used the opportunity to endorse Undersheriff Kory Honea as his successor, indicating that Honea’s campaign would receive his “full support.”

Smith (pictured), originally hired by the Butte County Sheriff’s Office in 1978, has served as county sheriff since 2010, when Perry Reniff stepped down from the position due to health reasons. Both Reniff and county District Attorney Mike Ramsey recommended Smith for the position, which he assumed after an unopposed campaign.

Smith said during his announcement that, after 36 years with the sheriff’s office, it’s simply “time to turn the page.” He left the supervisors’ chambers to applause.