Washington County Sheriff Johnny Barnes has announced his retirement effective January 1, following 11 years of service in the post.

His announcement last week caps a 45-year career in law enforcement that includes service as a municipal police officer, sheriff’s deputy in two counties and a lengthy stint with the NC Marine Patrol, where he retired as a captain.

In his retirement as Washington County Sheriff, Barnes acknowledged the work of his team that includes members in several departments administered by the sheriff’s office...