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Cattaraugus County Sheriff Timothy Whitcomb (pictured), former NYSSA President and long-term career officer, has announced his retirement from the Sheriff’s Office effective August 2.

“It’s just time,” Sheriff Whitcomb said recently, noting his two oldest children grew up so fast that he wants to be there with his youngest two. “It’s time for me to spend a little bit more time with my other family, not just my law enforcement family,” he said.

Undersheriff Eric Butler is expected to become Acting Sheriff until the next election for Sheriff in November.

Whitcomb joined the Sheriff’s Office in January 1991, having previously served with the Salamanca Police Department. He spent seven years handling major crimes in the Criminal Investigation Bureau for which he was recognized as the Blue and Gold Officer of the Year in October 2000. He was appointed Undersheriff by then-Sheriff Dennis John. Upon Sheriff John’s death in August 2009, Whitcomb became Acting Sheriff and was then elected Sheriff in November 2009 to a full four-year term, running unopposed for reelection in 2013, 2017 and 2021. His law enforcement career has spanned nearly 36 years.

In addition to his leadership role at NYSSA, Sheriff Whitcomb was an Adjunct Professor for both St. Bonaventure University and Jamestown Community College and on the Board of Directors for both Leadership Cattaraugus and the Center for Family Unity. He also is a Past President of the State of New York Police Juvenile Officers Association.