LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Beleaguered Breckinridge County Sheriff Todd Pate says he is retiring effective Saturday, Feb. 29, at midnight.
Pate, who has been sheriff since 2003, is facing criminal charges including assault and DUI. His arrest in March of 2019 was his second for DUI, and he is under court order not to drive or carry a gun.
Pate had said previously that he planned to remain on the job, but in a brief phone interview, Tuesday, he said retirement, “just felt it needed to be done.”
Long-time resident Johnny Embry staged a protest last fall calling on Pate to resign. He said Pate is doing the right thing by stepping down.
“I commend him for making this decision,” said Embry. “It's a good thing for all of us because it has really hurt a lot of people in the county. It's really made Breckinridge Co. look really, really bad.”
Several people declined to talk on camera, but told WDRB News they respected Pate and regret what has happened.
Breckinridge Co. Judge Executive Maurice Lucas said he will appoint an interim replacement for Pate on Thursday or Friday.
The interim sheriff will serve until the November election.
Embry said he wishes Pate the best.
“I hope he goes on and gets some rehab, gets his life in order, and does the best he can with his life. I wish him well,” he said.
Pate said he will have more to say after his next court date on March 12.
Related:
- Breckinridge County residents repeat call for sheriff to step down after assault, DUI charges
- Breckinridge County Sheriff Todd Pate indicted on new charges stemming from 2019 DUI crash
- Breckinridge Co. Sheriff Todd Pate remains on the job despite ongoing protests
- Breckinridge County residents continue calling for sheriff to step down after DUI arrest
- Breckinridge County sheriff accused of DUI not allowed to have gun, driver's license
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