Dakota County Sheriff Tim Leslie will not seek another term in the post, he announced Friday afternoon.

Leslie says he plans to work part-time and spend time with grandkids, traveling, golfing and volunteering.

He’s held the position since 2015.

Leslie writes in the release that he encourages Chief Deputy Joe Leko to run for sheriff in the election this year. Leko is a 24-year department veteran.

Read Sheriff Leslie's letter below:

"After considerable contemplation and reflection, I have decided that I will not seek a third term as Dakota County Sheriff. I am grateful for the opportunity that the citizens of Dakota County have afforded me. The work has been meaningful and being sheriff has been a tremendous honor.

I have had a great run, but as they say, all good things come to an end. I was fortunate my path led to the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office. The office is filled with high-quality people and a culture of service, tremendous pride for the history of the office, and the confidence to treat people the way they would want to be treated. Next to being a spouse and father, being elected to serve the people as the Sheriff of Dakota County has been my most significant endeavor. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to mentor, lead, and direct initiatives along the way.

I can admit that the last two years have been difficult for the profession. Fortunately for us, the residents, business leaders, and elected officials in Dakota County have been very supportive of our law enforcement community. From that support, we have persevered and worked diligently to keep those who live, work, and visit Dakota County safe. We did that through the people at the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office. They are dedicated professionals, and we would not be where we are without their commitment to service, 24/7, 365.

Dakota County remains a safe place for many reasons, one of which is the high quality of law enforcement present in the county. The collaborative nature among the twelve law enforcement agencies in the county is unsurpassed and a source of pride for many of us. I will miss these relationships and frequent conversations with the women and men who serve as chiefs of police in the county.

My plan is to work part-time and spend more time chasing the Grandkids, traveling, golfing, and volunteering. I am looking forward to the next phase.

I am proud of the accomplishments we have made at the office. To continue the momentum and the progressive nature of what we do I am encouraging the Chief Deputy, Joe Leko, to run for Sheriff. Joe Leko is a 24-year veteran of the office and has experience with all of our responsibilities. He is an expert at the administration of the office, has a tremendous reputation among the Dakota County Law Enforcement community, and is an intelligent, forward-thinking leader dedicated to serving the residents of the county. We would be fortunate to have him as our next sheriff.

I look forward to completing my term through 2022. It has been my honor and privilege to serve you. Thank you!"

Tim Leslie - Dakota County Sheriff

Dakota County is the third most populated in the state, and the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office has nearly 200 employees, according to its website.

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