FRESNO - Margaret Mims, Sheriff for Fresno County has announced she will not seek re-election this year as she plans on retiring from law enforcement. Mims said in a press release Friday, “After much thought and reflection, I have decided to retire at the end of my current term as Fresno County Sheriff-Coroner – Public Administrator. This decision does not come easily as I still get such satisfaction out of public service, but after 42 years, the time is right for me to retire while I am still healthy and can be active with my family.”

The sheriff began her law enforcement career in January 1980 as a police officer for the City of Kerman, then was hired in August 1983 as a Deputy Sheriff for the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. She was promoted through the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Sheriff, and then serving as the elected Sheriff for 16 years by the end of my current term.

“It was important to me when I became Sheriff to provide stability to the office. I have provided that stability and over the years we have worked our way through good times and tough times and become stronger as a result. I say ‘we’ because I did not accomplish this alone, it took working with not only Sheriff’s Office personnel, but with the vital cooperation of the Fresno County Board of Supervisors, our County Administrative Office, other County Departments and the public.”, Mims added.

She said there were still many projects and improvements that need to be made and she would continue to work hard for the remainder of her term in office and assist the next elected Sheriff any way she can to provide a smooth transition.

She concluded her press release with, “It has been a humble honor to serve the citizens of Fresno County. Thank you to everyone who has encouraged and supported me during my career.”

Election day in Fresno County will be June 7, 2022.