WAYNE COUNTY, N.Y. — Wayne County Sheriff Barry Virts says he will not seek re-election for a fourth term.

Virts announced his decision to the county's Republican Committee last week.

The sheriff tells Spectrum News he will finish out the remaining 15 months of this term and retire years before he originally planned to.

He says he still enjoys the job, but says it's in the best interest of the office for him to step away and let younger members of his staff to move up.

Virts tells Spectrum News, "Me staying would cause a huge gap in supervisors and command staff experience. I want the sheriff's office to continue to have experienced leadership, supervision, and command staff going forward."