AVERY COUNTY, N.C. — After 15 years of service, Sheriff Kevin Frye is retiring. He is the only one to ever sit at his desk.

"When I first came in, the first thing I was tasked with was to get a new detention facility for Avery County because the other one had been condemned," he said.

When he looked at the blueprints years ago, he realized the only thing they forgot to plan for was his office. It's a story that brings him both tears and laughter as his days in this office are coming to an end.

What You Need To Know

  • Kevin Frye has been Avery County's sheriff for 15 years

  • His love for law enforcement began at a young age

  • He will be heading to Raleigh to work with the North Carolina Sheriff's association

"When I was 6 or 7 years old, my grandfather was really good friends with the sheriff," Frye said.

It was then that Frye's love for law enforcement began. He worked for the Sugar Mountain Police Department and Beech Mountain as well. He then ran for office in the place he grew up.

"I wanted to make Avery County better," Frye said.

He wanted to become what he called a steward of the community. The sheriff has picked up garbage and filled food boxes. He said he has no regrets about his time in office.

"You can't put 15 years of your life into something and just step away without any emotion attached," Frye said.

He will be heading to Raleigh for a role with the North Carolina Sheriff's Association.