Harrison County Sheriff Troy Peterson hosts retirement party

Harrison County Sheriff Troy Peterson held his retirement party Thursday morning.

“My biggest thing is I’m going to miss the people I work for you, I work with and I’ll miss the department tremendously,” said Sheriff Peterson.

Smiles, handshakes, and tears were shared as Sheriff Peterson delivered his retirement speech.

He will be serving his last few days as sheriff after two terms and more than 30 years in the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, leaving behind a legacy.

Sheriff Peterson tells WXXV he never cared about the title and only wanted to help others.

“Just strive to do the best for the people that work for you. And that’s, that’s really the foundation I tried to lay it wasn’t about me,” said Sheriff Peterson. “I didn’t need to gain anything from it but it was about the people that works for the department. Getting them the best salary, getting the best equipment, you know, equipment saves lives. And so that was the most important things to me.”

His goal was to always serve at least two terms. It wasn’t until health complications, which only increased his desire to spend time with family, that he considered retirement.

“Very bittersweet decision that I made, but it was the right decision and it’s the right decision now.”

Sheriff Peterson will be missed by many in his department but has full confidence in his successor: Matt Haley.

“Also, he knows what humility is, and he’s a humble person,” said Sheriff Peterson. “So if he continues to be as humble as he is, then that will carry him on for a long time.”

Sheriff-Elect Haley will be sworn in January 2nd at the Gulfport Courthouse at 9 AM.