WALDORF, Md. — On October 4, 2022, Sheriff Troy D. Berry announced his retirement from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Retirement Plan (SORP), effective October 14, 2022.
Sheriff Berry celebrates 30 years of dedicated service with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). He has been the Sheriff and top law enforcement leader with the CCSO since being elected in 2014.
He has the remarkable honor of being the first African-American to hold the position of Sheriff in the Agency’s 364-year history.
“I am honored and deeply humbled to serve as Sheriff of this wonderful county and communities as well as being the leader of the men and women of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office.”
“My 30-year milestone puts me in a unique position and marks the end of my tenure with the pension program. After weeks of discussion with Charles County Government Human Resources, and in accordance with the SORP guidelines, there must be a bona fide separation period, which I am honoring.”
“In addition, the stipulations of the pension program prevent me from discussing any future employment. I recognize there may be questions and I am issuing this release to share what actions I am taking to remain in compliance with the requirements set forth by the pension program.”
“I am not able to make any further remarks at this time other than to reiterate that I care deeply about our county and remain steadfast and committed to the mission of the Agency.”
“I want to make clear to the citizens of Charles County that retiring in this fashion is something I had to do, not something I wanted to do.”
“It is a privilege to lead the Charles County Sheriff’s Office and to serve our communities and I am proud of where we are today as an Agency.”
So ….. it’s all about money and getting it while the getting is good. So he is “retiring” only to be re-elected come November and to get paid in addition to his “pension”. Once a grifter always a grifter.
Dan Wilson: How’s that being a grifter? If he’s reached his pension entitlement point and he still wants to serve the county as Sheriff, then it makes perfect sense to officially retire from the job and if the voters elect him in November, he can return to the job and continue to serve. The county has to pay him the pension he earned and they have to pay a salary to the elected sheriff. So what if he gets both?
Irrespective of all the theories that will abound…Thanks for your service.
I’m thinking it’s good time to join the Sheriff’s Department.
I just might.
Go ahead and do that.
Are U really retiring or will IlU run again for sheriff like Dan W said above?
I’m positive that everyone who had served in job for 30 years would do exactly the same thing. The issue is not with Sheriff Berry, but with the Charles County pension system that required him to retire to secure his pension.
He’s been a great Sheriff and I welcome his re-election and look forward to his return as our Charles County Sheriff.
Wow! I wondered about this? If that’s true should not be re-elected . That sounds pretty scandalous
He needs to do what’s best for his future. Why not take his pension? Who would not? People always have bad things to say. He served and he deserved it. I hope he comes back.
So, at 30 years the pension remains but payments to it stop? He could stay as Sheriff and be paid, I presume?
When I first moved to xCharles County back in June 1986, Charles County was a nice quite Bedroom community of Washington, D.C. Now it’s gone to extremes. Everytime you turn around a new housing development is coming out of the ground. With the influx of peoe coming from our Northern County and perhaps the District, the crime rate has risen very high. People have no respect for others. No wonder across the Nation that Police forces are dwindling in manpower. No one once to be an Officer of the law. It seems as though the police are the bad guys now. Well with Sheriff Berry wanting to continue to serve, that’s his choice and if he needs to retire and come back and is elected Sheriff again so be it. I wouldn’t call it double dipping it’s just the way the pension rules are written. He’s not the only one doing this but, others within the county government. So no this is NOT an isolated incidence. If you don’t like it then bring it up at one of the commissioners meetings.