Livingston County Sheriff John York Retiring
By: Amy Young
Updated: February 19, 2013
An emotional announcement from one of the longest standing sheriffs in the state..
Livingston County Sheriff John York says he is retiring at the end of the year..
The sheriff takes a look back at a career that's spanned more than four decades.
Sheriff York tried to hold back tears as he talked about his career with the Livingston County Sheriff's Department.
A man who's proud of his accomplishments, and bittersweet about saying good-bye come the end of the year.
"I've never had a day that I wasn't proud of, said John York, Livingston County Sheriff.
York joined the department when President Nixon was in office 44 years ago.
"There's been good and bad. Lot more good," explained York.
He's been sheriff the past 24....
"We've provided a tremendous opportunity for the people in this county to be safe. When people have been victimized, we've held those responsible accountable in many many circumstances. We have very few major crimes that go unsolved in this county. It's a testament to its people."
York will not seek re-election in the fall, but he remains passionate about one particular case."The most difficult case we've ever had is Jane Doe. November 9, 1979 was shot, dumped roadside, was shot again roadside. Stripped of identification."
A teenaged girl found dead in this cornfield in Caledonia. Sheriff York says he may be retiring...But he'll never give up.
"She was a victim. She has that right," said York.
Word of Sheriff York's retirement travelled fast in this small village of Geneseo where the Sheriff has a pulse on the community. "
"He's done his job real well. He's never tried to, what am I trying to say, brag about it. He's just on it and gets the job done," said Jim Creagan, Geneseo resident.
"He's one of the easiest guys I've ever had to work for. He's very compassionate about his job," said David Haskins, Geneseo resident.
Humbled by the sentiments, but quick to credit the department for his success"I'll miss the people. I've enjoyed every facet of coming to work. I've ve enjoyed giving justice to thousands of victims," added York.
The sheriff says he will spend his time enjoying his family, especially his grandchildren. He'll also do a little fishing. He assures us he's not going anywhere and will continue to help the department when called to do so.
