For many reasons, my service as Sheriff of Polk County has become extremely difficult to perform to the high standards I have set for myself as Sheriff and that I have required of the employees who have worked for the Polk County Sheriff&squo;s Office during my administration. The ongoing negative and controversial social climate surrounding my service as Sheriff have had a profound impact on my family, the employees of the Polk County Sheriff&squo;s Office, and our community. I have concluded that in order for the Polk County Sheriff&squo;s Office to be able to best serve our community, this climate must change ‐ something I am convinced cannot be accomplished by either me or my administration. Therefore, after careful and lengthy consultation with my family, friends, advisers, spiritual leaders and counsel, I have decided to retire as the Sheriff of Polk County, effective at midnight on Sunday, November 16, 2008. This decision has been a most difficult one. However, for my family and for this community, I believe it to be the right one. The survival of my family depends on my ability to devote more time to them. Further, this community needs to resolve its differences over my service as Sheriff and then move forward under a new administration. I want to thank my many supporters over the years and hope that they will understand the reasons for my decision. I also sincerely hope that our new Sheriff will give thoughtful consideration to retaining as much of the present stafff of the Polk County Sheriff&squo;s Office as possible. Many of the present employees have families and children to support and I do not wish this decision to impact them negatively, especially given the present economic crisis. I will provide our next Sheriff with as much aid as requested and required to ensure an efficient and orderly transition. It has been my honor to serve as the Sheriff of Polk County.

Sheriff Chris M. Abril