Gore announces retirement

SAN DIEGO – After 51 years in law enforcement, San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore has announced his plan to retire effective Feb. 3.

Sheriff Gore began his law enforcement career in 1970 with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He rose to the rank of Assistant Director in Washington, D.C. and also served as the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI field offices in San Diego and Seattle.

After 32 years with the FBI, he retired and worked for one year as the Chief Investigator and Special Advisor to newly elected San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis.

In 2004, then-Sheriff Bill Kolender appointed him as the Assistant Sheriff overseeing the Law Enforcement Services Bureau. In 2006, he was appointed as the Undersheriff, overseeing the Sheriff's Department's daily operations.

Gore was appointed Sheriff in 2009 by the Board of Supervisors and elected to that position three times by the citizens of San Diego County.

The following is a statement from Sheriff Gore: "Serving as your Sheriff for the last 12 years has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my law enforcement career. I will always be grateful to the residents of this county for their continued confidence and support during my tenure. It has also been my honor to have had the daily support from the extraordinary men and women of this department who sacrifice every day for the citizens of San Diego County.

Likewise, my wife has made many sacrifices in support of my career, including nine moves around the country and the challenges involved in three county-wide elections. In retirement, I will have the opportunity to give my full attention and support to her as she has done for me during our 43 years of marriage.

"I have been truly blessed to have had a long career in public safety surrounded by some of the finest professionals in this country. I am also grateful for the many friendships I have developed in San Diego and around the country. I look forward to many wonderful years with those friends and my family."

Sheriff Gore has dedicated his life to public safety in San Diego and nationally. Few individuals have devoted more time, energy and service to others. The Sheriff's Department is grateful for his service and his many accomplishments. They wish him and his family all the best in their next chapter. He will be greatly missed.

Submitted by the San Diego Sheriff's Department.