It is the end of an era in Collier County. Longtime Sheriff Don Hunter will not seek re-election next year. He'll leave behind 20 years worth of accomplishments and some controversy.

  A former "Florida Sheriff of the Year" told a large crowd on Monday morning he thought long and hard about saying goodbye. "My wife made the decision for me about 3 years ago. Which made it a lot easier for me to get there," Hunter said with a smile. He makes about $140,000 a year, but says he needs more to support his young family, "if you are in the public service you are not making top dollar."

  Hunter is a Florida native and Naples High School graduate. He got his Masters in Criminology from Florida State University and later graduated from the FBI National Academy. Hunter started as a Collier County Deputy in 1979 and quickly moved up the ranks. He commanded the Narcotics Unit with the Drug Enforcement Administration and developed and commanded the SWAT team. Hunter was first elected sheriff in 1988, and was re-elected in 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2004.

  Looking back Hunter has no regrets, "if there is something that is my significant achievement I would say survival. I think we have succeeded in whatever we have taken on."

  Collier Commissioner Tom Henning tells Four In Your Corner he is shocked by Hunter's announcement. Henning said, "Hunter was a shoe-in for re-election, but I respect decision to spend more time with his family." Commissioner Donna Fiala tells Four In Your Corner, "I loved working with Sheriff Don Hunter and will miss him at the helm of the Sheriff's Office."

  Hunter says "I think we have if not the best, one of the best ,Sheriff's Office in the state of Florida and in the nation."

  Sheriff Hunter leaves big shoes to fill and a community wondering who will replace this living law enforcement legend.

  Hunter did endorse Undersheriff Kevin Rambosk as the next Collier County Sheriff. Rambosk said he will announce his future plans on Thursday, October 11, 2007.

  Victor Ortino announced his plans to run in March of 2007. He just got a formal endorsement from the Fraternal Order of Police. Ortino is a Florida Licensed Private Investigator and Collier County business owner. He tells Four In Your Corner he is the best man to bring change to the Sheriff's Office, "government should be working for the people not against the people."

 

  Businessman Vincent Angiolillo also expressed interest in running for Collier County Sheriff.

  The primary election for Collier County Sheriff is in August 2008.

  Sheriff Hunter tells Four In Your Corner he will stay on the job for the rest of his term. He has not decided what he will do next.