WASHINGTON COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) - Washington County Sheriff Johnny Barnes announced his plans to retire in the new year after a nearly 45-year-long career in law enforcement, including an 11-year tenure as sheriff.

After more than a decade on the job, Barnes has gotten into a routine as he spends his days serving Washington County. But next month, there’s a change coming as Barnes announces his retirement come January 1.

Barnes said he has spent 45 years working and wants to spend more time with his family.

“I mean, it’s been a long time, it’s time to, I want to do some other things as far as spend time with family,” Barnes said. “Of course, my children are grown, but I want to be able to travel a little bit. I like to fish and hunt, I don’t get to do a lot of that anymore.”

Barnes said

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