CELINA — Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey will retire at the end of his term in 2025, he announced Monday.

According to a press release, Grey announced his upcoming retirement at this time because 2023 is a preparation year for the 2024 election cycle. Qualification and filing deadlines are in 2023, as 2024 is a presidential election year.

Grey started his career in law enforcement in 1980 and was elected sheriff in 2000. He began his career as sheriff in 2001 and is now in his sixth term, which will conclude on Jan. 5, 2025.

“It has been a real pleasure to serve the people of Mercer County and I thank them for the privilege of serving as their sheriff,” Grey said in the release. “I also want to thank the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office who have worked tirelessly for the people of Mercer County and who have made my career successful.”

Grey said in the release he has been considering retirement for a couple of years and has worked closely with a member of his command staff to prepare him to become the next sheriff. He said he will not announce his name, instead allowing the next sheriff to announce his position when he chooses.

Grey said he is looking forward to spending more time with his family, including six grandchildren and his wife.

“I have two years to go, I plan to finish strong and continue to work hard for the final two years of this chapter of my life,” Grey said in the release.