He's been with the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office for 40 years and was sworn-in to lead the department 23 years ago on January 1, 1995.

Now after decades in office, Joe Gerace is packing it in.

We sat down for a one-on-one interview with Gerace, who speaks candidly about losing the election to incoming Sheriff Jim Quattrone, as he looks back on his lengthy career. 

Part one of a two-part series.