For 35 years Bob Zehler has enjoyed his work and his coworkers, but the time has come to hang up his badge, he said.
"I'm not quite ready, but now is the time to get out while I still like the place," Zahler said.
Today, in the basement of the jail, coworkers, colleagues and friends gathered for lunch and cake to celebrate Zahler's career.
Many years ago, the Sheriff's Office switched from hiring deputies to work in the jail to hiring corrections officers. Zahler, a supervisor, is the last deputy sheriff to work in the jail.
As for retirement, the Bethany native said he'll spend more time with his 87-year-old mother, complete remodeling his home -- a project he started 20 years ago -- and take care of some neglected work around the family farm.
With Zahler, left in the photo, is the current director of the jail, Ed Minardo.
