**Sheriff Matt Gentry: A Legacy of Dedication and Excellence**

*Written by Ron Mosley Jr.*

CULLMAN, Ala. – Sheriff Matt Gentry of Cullman County has announced his decision to retire and will not seek a fourth term in office. His announcement was made on Friday, Aug. 2, at St. John’s Evangelical Protestant Church Youth Center.

### Key Points:

- **Years of Service**:

 - 25 years in law enforcement

 - 10 years as sheriff of Cullman County

- **Community Engagement**:

 - Implemented numerous community events

 - Holds more community meetings than any other sheriff's office in the state

- **Announcement Details**:

 - Gentry informed his deputies and CCSO employees a day prior

 - His current term will conclude in January 2027

- **Views on Leadership and Accountability**:

 - Emphasizes the importance of self-term limits and accountability

 - Believes good leaders know when to move on

- **Commitment to His Role**:

 - Vows to work diligently for the remaining two-and-a-half years of his term

 - Plans to follow wherever God leads him after his term ends

Sheriff Gentry expressed pride in his accomplishments and highlighted the positive changes he has brought to the department. "I think about all the things that we've implemented in the last 10 years," Gentry said. "I think about our community events. We do more community meetings than any other sheriff's office in the state."

He also spoke about the importance of self-accountability among politicians. "What is hard is to say, 'You know what? I'm going to do my job and then I'm going to go do something else,'" he noted.

Gentry assured the community of his continued dedication. "I am going to be your sheriff for the next two-and-a-half years. I will work every day as hard as I can just like the day that I started."

Looking to the future, Gentry said, "What I can tell you is I don't know what the future holds, but I will follow wherever God leads me."

We are pleased to announce that Sheriff Matt Gentry will be joining us in the WKUL studio very soon to provide more insight into his decision and update the community on the Sheriff's Department. Stay tuned for this special segment!