Chief Deputy Chuck Middleton resigns from HCSO
Longtime Highland County sheriff's deputy Chuck Middleton has resigned.
Middleton, who had been the HCSO chief deputy and briefly served as county sheriff, resigned Friday, Feb. 21.
"I was ready. The time was right," Middleton told The Highland County Press Monday.
Middleton had been with the Highland County Sheriff's office since he was 19. He was initially hired by former sheriff Earl Mahaffey.
Middleton served more than 30 years with the department.
Middleton was sworn in as the interim Highland County sheriff by Judge Kevin Greer during a special meeting of the Highland County Board of Commissioners on Friday, Nov. 15, 2013.
Judge Greer called the appointment of Middleton "an excellent choice" by commissioners Shane Wilkin, Tom Horst and Jeremy Shaffer.
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Middleton succeeded Sheriff Ron Ward, who announced his resignation at an Oct. 21, 2013 board meeting in order to accept a position with Hillsboro City Schools. Ward's resignation was effective Nov. 16, 2013.
"Chuck and I worked together my entire career. He is a dear friend," Ward said Monday afternoon.
"Chuck has been dedicated to the people of Hillsboro a long time. He was an intricate part of the sheriff's office for many years," Ward added. "He will be sadly missed. I wish him only the best."
Commissioners asked Highland County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Chuck Middleton if he would accept an interim appointment as sheriff during the Oct. 21 meeting.
According to Ward, Middleton has been involved in the day-to-day operations of the Highland County Sheriff's Office for several years.
On Nov. 26, 2013, the Highland County Republican Central Committee appointed Detective Sergeant Richard L. Warner, Jr. as Highland County sheriff.
Warner is running in the May 6 Republican primary election against another longtime former deputy, Donnie Barrera.