BELLINGHAM, WA – (KGMI.com) Several top leaders in the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office are retiring simultaneously for the first time in 20 years.

Sheriff Bill Elfo announced he would not seek re-election earlier this year after a nearly 50-year career in law enforcement, including five terms in Whatcom County.

Elfo was first sworn in as interim sheriff in 2003 and was elected to the official position later that year.

He will be succeeded by former Blaine police chief Donnell Tanksley.

Undersheriff Doug Chadwick, who ran against Tanksley in November’s election, is retiring from the Sheriff’s Office after more than 29 years.

Emergency Management Deputy Director John Gargett is also retiring after eight years in his position.

Rounding out the list of departures are Chief Deputy Steve Gatterman, Chief of Corrections Wendy Jones and executive assistant Dawn Pierce.