COLUMBUS – Polk County Sheriff Donald Hill (D) announced last week he will not be seeking re-election in 2018.

Hill sent a letter to the Polk County Democrat Headquarters thanking the party for appointing him after the resignation of former sheriff Chris Abril and announced he would not seek another term.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Democratic Party for appointing me to the position of sheriff after the resignation of Sheriff Abril,” Hill said. “It was an honor to be appointed to the position of Sheriff of Polk County. I have tried my best during my time as Sheriff to represent you, the party, and serve the citizens of Polk County to the best of my ability.”

Hill was appointed sheriff in November 2008 following the resignation of Abril, who won the office during the 2006 election. Hill ran in 2010 and won the seat of sheriff and won again in 2014.

Hill told the Democrat Party after many hours of thinking about it, he has chosen to not run again next year.

Hill also told the Democrat Party there is a possibility he will not finish his current term as sheriff but if that happens, he will give the party ample time to find and appoint a replacement.

“I will always be grateful to the Democratic Party for appointing and providing me the opportunity to serve in a position that most officers dream about in their career,” Hill said. “For this I will always be thankful to you and the citizens of Polk County.”

Polk County Democrat Headquarter Chair Pat Salomon said the executive committee of the local party will be signing a letter during its next meeting on Thursday, June 1 to Sheriff Hill.

Salomon said in part the letter states, “The Polk County Democratic Party is proud that you have served the county in an honorable and respectful manner which reflects well on us. Your overwhelming victories in two elections demonstrate the strong support you enjoy from Polk County citizens.”

The letter also says the Democratic Party wishes Hill the best for the remainder of his career and in retirement.

“You will always have our deep gratitude and appreciation for all you have done for the county and the party,” states the letter to Hill.

Filing for all county offices, including for the office of Sheriff will be in December this year with the next county general election being November 2018.

The 2017 election in November is for municipal mayors and council members.