GILMER, Texas — Upshur County District Attorney Billy Byrd announced on Tuesday that he will retire at the end of October.

Byrd said in a statement that he notified Gov. Greg Abbott of his intention to retire. He said his retirement is required before he can publicly announce plans to run for another elected office under the Texas Constitution.

His last day in office will be Oct. 31. Byrd has served as Upshur County district attorney since 2007.

Byrd said he will retire with 24 years of service as a prosecutor.

"It has been an honor to represent the State of Texas. My wife and our three boys have been blessed with support of the community and prayer from so many," Byrd said. "I never had intended such a letter as this to be written, but it is now my time to pursue a new season and chap

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