From the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office:
Buncombe County Sheriff Van Duncan Announces Retirement, Not Seeking Re-Election in 2018
Asheville, NC—Buncombe County Sheriff Van Duncan formally announced his retirement today at a media event held at the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office in Asheville.
“This week after much prayer and deliberation, I made the decision to retire at the end of my current term as sheriff, and not seek re-election in 2018,” Sheriff Duncan said.
“It has not been an easy decision to make. I could not be more proud of everyone here at the Sheriff’s Office, and everything they have accomplished over the past ten and a half years. The work of this Sheriff’s Office has been thoughtful, innovative and holistic in its approach of enforcing the laws of the state of North Carolina, without compromising the safety of the residents of Buncombe County, or the laws of our great state. I take pride in being a part of that approach, and I know everyone else here at the Sheriff’s Office does as well.”
Sheriff Duncan highlighted some of the many accomplishments the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office has achieved during his tenure, and praised the Sheriff’s Office personnel for their professionalism and commitment to the community they serve. The sheriff also took the time to announce his support for current Executive Lieutenant Randy Smart to become the next Sheriff of Buncombe County.
“Lt. Smart is an experienced law enforcement officer, with high professional standards, and integrity. This agency, and this county, will be in good hands with him at the helm of the Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff Duncan stated.
Sheriff Duncan was elected to his first term in 2006; his most recent re-election was in 2014, with his current term ending in December 2018.