The Orange County Sheriff’s Office shared one of its veteran leaders is retiring in the coming months.

Chief Deputy Jamison “Jamie” Sykes will be stepping away from the role after several decades in law enforcement, including 25 years with the sheriff’s office.

“I am personally going to miss seeing Jamie at work every day, and I know I am not the only one,” Sheriff Charles Blackwood said in a release. “After staff meeting last week, I thought about his role in building and shaping the team we now have and the service we provide to Orange County. I made sure to tell him he will always have a place at the table he built.”

Sykes is an Orange County native and earned his associate’s degree in criminal justice and law enforcement at Alamance Community College. After being hired during Lindy Pendergrass’ tenure as sheriff, he started as a detention officer before moving into the patrol division. Orange County Sheriff’s Office said Sykes also served in its civil division, in courthouse security, in narcotics and as a field training officer. Among his other accomplishments are earning a North Carolina Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate, graduating from NC State’s Administrative Officers Management Program and receiving the Distinguished Service Award.

“When I first ran for Sheriff, I knew if I won, I wanted Jamie to be my chief deputy,” said Blackwood. “Although initially hesitant to assume the role, he has been at my side since the beginning, helping with daily operations, planning for the future, and managing all divisions. He served as a friend, advisor, and confidant to me through my first two terms and now at the beginning of the third.

“The bond of trust, loyalty, and friendship we share is special,” added the Orange County sheriff.

Sykes will officially retire in May, according to Monday’s release. Blackwood will announce new personnel assignments later in the week.

 

Photo via the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

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