PORT ORCHARD — Kitsap County Sheriff Gary Simpson announced late last month in an internal letter to staff and county commissioners that he will retire from the department effective midnight June 30.

Simpson so far has not made a public announcement of his intention to leave the sheriff’s office.

The sheriff is serving in his second term in office.

In the letter dated May 21, Simpson said he was stepping aside after 30 years as a commissioned deputy and felt it was “time to say ‘goodbye.’

“I have enjoyed a great many interesting, challenging, and rewarding experiences throughout my career. But the reality is that it’s time for me to step aside and trust others to carry on the mission and for you to experience your dreams, aspirations, and future opportunities.’

It will be up to the commissioners to select a replacement for Simpson, who ran for office as a Democrat.

This story will be updated.