San Bernardino County Sheriff Rod Hoops to leave

San Bernardino County Sheriff Rod Hoops announced his retirement Wednesday from a job he’s held since 2009.

Hoops has accepted a position as an Executive Fellow with the Police Foundation in Washington, D.C., an organization he said is the country’s oldest non-partisan policing research organization.

Hoops in a statement said, “I have dedicated the last 34 years of my professional life to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. When I began my career as a 21-year old Deputy Sheriff in 1978, I had no idea as to what kind of adventure I was in for.”

He plans to leave his post in December as Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator of San Bernardino County.

Hoops said he’s lived his dream and made many friends along the way. “I have witnessed the Department grow into one of the finest and most respected law enforcement agencies in the country.”

Hoops was appointed to complete the remaining term of Sheriff Gary Penrod in 2009.

He became a deputy chief in 2003, and an assistant sheriff in 2005.

Hoops said, “I am very proud of the changes made to the Department during my four years as Sheriff. An emphasis has been placed on a better educated and more diverse workforce. A workforce that will serve our constituents well for many years to come.”

“The time is right for me to begin the next chapter of my life. It is an exciting opportunity that will allow me to remain involved with the law enforcement profession on a national and international level.”