Delaware County honors Deputy Troy Petrie on 37 years of service; commissioners approve retirement gift sale

The Delaware County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 27 approved a resolution declaring county personal property no longer needed for public use and authorizing its sale to Deputy Troy Petrie on his retirement.

Sheriff Jeff Balzer introduced Deputy Petrie, said Petrie will retire Jan. 31 after 37 years with the Delaware County Sheriff's Office, and recounted Petrie's long service in corrections, patrol, canine work and as a school liaison. Balzer noted that Petrie and his partner K-9 Hasso were the county's first K-9 team and praised Petrie's “dedication” and “integrity.” Chief Deputy John Scouten also described Petrie's career and asked Petrie to speak; Petrie told commissioners, “I've seen a lot of changes,” and described long tenure in county service.

The resolution (25-51) was moved and seconded and approved by voice vote. Commissioners President Barb Lewis and Commissioner Gary Merrill each recorded “Aye.” The transcript shows Commissioner Benton absent for the roll call.

Why it matters: The resolution formalizes a customary post-retirement transfer of county property to a retiring deputy and publicly recognized Petrie's multi-decade service to the county. Commissioners and sheriff's office leaders emphasized Petrie's role in establishing early K-9 and school-liaison work in the county.

Petrie told the board he plans to spend more time with family and to do work at a lake property; he said he did not intend to return to law-enforcement work. The board joined the sheriff in thanking Petrie and wishing him “continued good health and happiness in his retirement.”