OWEGO, NY (607NewsNow) – A member of Southern Tier law enforcement with decades of service is retiring.

On August 10, Tioga County Sheriff Gary Howard announced that he will not seek reelection at the end of his current term, which expires in December 2027.

Sheriff Howard joined the Tioga County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) in 1977 as a corrections officer and worked his way up through the ranks. He was elected sheriff in 2004 and has held the position for 22 years.

Tioga County Sheriff Gary Howard. Credit: Tioga County Sheriff’s Office

Frank Lavore, of Berkshire, is reportedly seeking the Republican nomination for sheriff. He retired in 2022 after a 25-year career with TCSO. Former TCSO Captain of Operations Shawn Nalepa is also running for the position.